THE SHADOW CABINET "All very well, gentlemen! All very well!" repeated the man who sat at the head of the table.

"I do not deny anything you say.
None the less, the question remains, what were we to do with this woman, since she was here?
I confess my own relief at this message from our agent, Captain Carlisle, telling of her temporary disappearance." As he spoke, he half pushed back his chair, as though in impatience or agitation over the problem which evidently occupied his mind.

A man above medium height, somewhat spare in habit of body, of handsome features and distinguished presence, although with hair now slightly thinned by advancing years, he seemed, if not by natural right, at least by accorded authority, the leader in this company with whose members he was not unwilling to take counsel.
Those who sat before him were his counselors, chosen by himself, in manner ratified by law and custom.

They made, as with propriety may be stated, a remarkable body of men.

It were less seemly openly to determine their names and their station, since they were public men, and since, as presently appeared, they now were engaged on business of such nature as might not be placed in full upon public records.
At least it may be stated that this meeting was held in the autumn of the year 1850, and in one of the great public buildings of the city of Washington.