"How can we take cognizance of private insult given by a foreign power in only quasi-public capacity?
I conceive it to be somewhat difficult, no matter what the reception in the society of Washington, to eject this woman from the city of Washington itself; or at least, very likely difficult to keep her ejected, as you say, sir." "Where should she go ?" demanded yet another voice.

"And why should she not come back ?" Impatiently, the leader replied: "Where?
I do not know.

I do not _want_ to know.

I _must_ not know! Good God, must we not bear ourselves in mind ?" "Then, sir, in case of her sudden return, you ask an agent ?" said a keen, clear, and incisive voice, which had not yet been heard.
"Gentlemen, shall we cast lots for the honor of watching the Countess St.Auban in case of her undesired return ?" The grim demand brought out a hasty protest from a timid soul: "To that, I would not agree." A sort of shuffle, a stir, a shifting in seats seemed to take place all about the table.
"Very well, then," went on the clear voice, "let us employ euphemism in terms and softness in methods.

If we may not again kidnap the lady, why may we not bribe her ?" "It could not be done," broke in the dark man toward the head of the table.