would infinitely prefer the United States to have
the letter rather than Germany. It's unfortunate, but it's not as
unfortunate as it might be."

"You make me feel much, oh, so much better!" Mrs. Clephane replied. "I
feared lest my blunder could never be forgiven nor forgotten; and that
Madame Durrand would be held responsible and would never again be
trusted."

The Ambassador smiled and shook his head. "I think you need not worry,"
he replied.

"And I'm perfectly sure, your Excellency, that if the United States is
neither directly or indirectly concerned in the matter of the letter,
and if you were to submit a translation of the letter to prove it, Mr.
Harleston will deliver to you the original."

"Did Monsieur Harleston tell you so?" the Marquis smiled.

"No, oh, no! I only thought that--"

"--in this one instance diplomats would trust each other?" he
interjected. "Alas, no! Monsieur Harleston would only assume the
translation to be false and given for the sole purpose of deception. I
should assume exactly the same, were our positions reversed."

"Couldn't you prove your translation by giving him the key to the
cipher?" she asked.

"My dear madame," the Marquis smiled, "such a thing would be
unprecedented--and would mean my instant dismissal from the service,
and trial for treason."

She made a gesture of defeat. "Well, you can at least have the letter
repeated by cable."

"Also we can cable the government to dispatch another letter," the
Ambassador soothed. "There are plenty of ways out of the difficulty, so
don't give yourself any concern--and the United States is welcome to the
letter. It will be a far day, I assure you, ere its cipher bureau
translates it."

He glanced at the clock. Mrs. Clephane arose.

"I'm sorry for the mess I have made," she said.

"Don't give it a thought," he assured her. "If you can help us, you will
be where?"

"I will be at the Chateau until this matter is straightened out--and
subject to your instant call."

"Good--you are more than kind; France appreciates it."

He took her hand, escorted her with gracious courtesy to the door, and
bowed her out.

Then he stepped to his desk and rang twice.

The First Secretary entered.

"Did you hear her entire story?" the Marquis asked.

"I did, sir," the First Secretary replied.

"You believe it?"

"Absolutely."

"Then set Pasquier to work to ascertain what this Madame Spencer is
about. Let him report as quickly as h