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. Apparently it was more private than official
in its nature, and apparently it now had lasted for some time. The
hour was late. Darkness presently must enshroud the room. Even
now the shadows fell heavy upon the lofty portraits, the rich
furnishings, the mixed assemblage of somewhat hodgepodge
decorations. Twice an ancient colored man had appeared at the door
with lighted taper, as though to offer better illumination, but
each time the master of the place had waved him away, as though
unwilling to have present a witness even so humble as he. Through
the door, thus half opened, there might have been seen in the hall
two silent and motionless figures, standing guard.

Obviously the persons here present were of importance. It was
equally obvious that they sought no intrusion. Why, then, in a
meeting so private and so serious, should there come a remark upon
a topic certainly not a matter of state in the usual acceptance of
the term? Why should the leader have been concerned over the
slight matter of a woman's late presence here in Washington?

As though to question his associates, the speaker turned his glance
down the long table, where sat figures, indistinct in the gathering
gloom. At his right hand, half in shadow, there showed the bold
outlines of a leonine head set upon broad shoulders. Under
cavernous brows, dark eyes looked out with seriousness. Half
revealed as it was, here was a countenance fairly fit to be called
godlike. That