"
The young man for a moment seemed puzzled. Then he glanced at a
little gold watch upon his wrist, knocked the cigarette from its
holder and carefully replaced the latter in its case.
"That is very interesting, Countess," he said. "For the moment I
had forgotten your official position amongst the English
Socialists."
She leaned forward and touched his coat sleeve.
"You had forgotten nothing," she declared eagerly. "There is
something in your mind of which you have not spoken."
"No," he replied, "I have spoken a great deal of my mind--too
much, perhaps, considering that we are seated in this very
fashionable lounge, with many people around us. We must talk of
these serious matters on another occasion, Countess. I shall pay
my respects to your aunt, if I may, within the next few days."
"Why do you fence with me?" she persisted, drawing on her gloves.
"You and I both know, so far as regards those peace terms, that--"
"If we both know," he interrupted, "let us keep each our own
knowledge. Words are sometimes very, dangerous, and great events
are looming. So, Countess! You have perhaps a car, or may I have
the pleasure of escorting you to your destination?"
"I am going to Westminster," she told him, rising to her feet.
"In that case," he observed, as they made their way down the room,
"perhaps I had better not offer my escort, although I should very
much like to be there in person. You are amongst those to-day who
will make history.
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