bers; when it ceases to be diplomacy and becomes war. In fact,
only bunglers resort to killing; and if the killing be known it ends
one's career in the service. To have to kill to gain an end is
conclusive evidence of incompetency. I mean, of course, among reputable
nations. There are some thugs among the lesser Powers, just as there are
thugs among the _'oi polloi_."

"Then Mrs. Spencer is an accomplished--diplomat," Mrs. Clephane
remarked.

"She is at the top of the profession,--and as a directing force she is
without a superior."

"You are very generous, Mr. Harleston!"

"I believe in giving the devil his dues. Indeed, in handling some
affairs, she is in a class by herself. Her beauty and finesse and
alluringness make her simply irresistible. It's a cold and stony heart
that she can't get inside of and use."

"A man's heart, you mean?"

"Certainly. A man is in control of such affairs."

"Then Mrs. Spencer's presence here indicates that this letter matter is
of the first importance to Germany."

"It indicates that her business is of the first importance to Germany;
the letter may simply be incidental to that business, in that its
delivery to the French Ambassador will embarrass or complicate that
business. The latter is likely the fact."

"It grows more involved every minute," Mrs. Clephane sighed. "It's
useless to try to make me comprehend. I want to hear what happened to
you; such simple concrete doings are more adapted to my unsophisticated
mind."

"When I returned to the telephone, you were gone," he said; "I waited
awhile, then cruised through the rooms, then went back to our place and
waited again. Finally I went in to dinner, leaving word to be notified
the moment you returned. I was at my soup when a note was brought to me
saying that you had just seen someone whom you wished to avoid, and
asking me to dine with you in your apartment--and that you would explain
your disappearance. I went up at once to No. 972; and there encountered
pretty much similar treatment to yours,"--and he detailed the episode,
down to the time she reappeared in the corridor.

She had heard him through without an interruption; at the end she said
simply:

"I've absolutely no business in this affair, Mr. Harleston. When such
things can happen in this hotel, in the very centre of the National
Capital and among the throngs of diners and guests, it behooves an
ordinary woman to seek safety in a hospital or a prison. It seems