Whigs, will give a mission to an ex-Democrat and a Free Soiler
like myself!"

"Not that I should not experience the most pleasureable emotions
both in saving the country, my dear Sir," he saluted with his
glass, "and of saving it in the company of so charming a person as
this young lady is reported to be. The years have laid us under a
certain handicap, my friend. Yet were this lady quite unattached,
or her duena not wholly impossible, one might consider the
distinguished role of disinterestedly saving one's country in the
capacity at least of chaperon."

They looked at each other, and broke into laughter. Yet minds so
keen as theirs long before them had read between lines on the
printed page, under the outward mask of human countenances.

"Stranger things have happened!" said the gentleman from Kentucky.

"My soul and body' My dear Sir, you do not speak seriously?" His
surprise was feigned, and the other knew it.

"I was never so serious in my life. My friend, it seems almost as
though fate had guided me to your side to-night. At this time,
when our diplomacy abroad is none too fortunate, and when our
diplomacy at home is far more delicate and dangerous, you yourself,
known the country over as a man of tact and delicacy, are the one
man in the world to handle this very mission. It is the Old Fox of
the North, after all, Free Soiler or not, who alone can smooth down
matters for us. Our country had supreme confidence in you. This
administration has such confidence still. It will give all that is
seemly for one of your station to accept. It will not ask aught of
party lines, this or that."

"Do you speak with authority other than your own?"

"It is not yet time for me to answer that."

"Yet you dare approach one who is in the opposing camp."

"But one whose camp we either hope to join, or whom we hope later
to have in our own. Who can tell where party lines will fall in
the next three years? All the bars may be down by then, and many a
fence past mending."

"For the sake of harmony, much should be ventured."

"Excellent words, Sir."

"One owes a certain duty to one's country at any time."

"Still more excellent."

"And political success can be obtained best through union and not
disunion of political forces."

"Most excellent of all! We rejoice to hear the voice of New York
speaking in the old way."

"My faith, I believe you are serious in this! Have you really
formulated any plans?"