Josephine St. Auban
after a moment to the messenger.

CHAPTER XXVIII

IN ACKNOWLEDGMENT

As she entered the room, there rose to meet her a tall gentleman,
who stood gravely regarding her. At sight of him she paused,
embarrassed. No figure was more familiar in Washington, yet none
was less to be expected here. There was no mistaking the large
frame, the high brow, the dark and piercing eye, the costume--that
of another day. Involuntarily, although her first impression
(based upon other meetings with distinguished men) was one more of
apprehension than of pleasure, she swept him a deep curtsy. With
the grace of a courtier he extended a hand and led her to a chair.

"You know me, Madam?" he demanded, in a deep and bell-like voice.
"I know you, as well. I am delighted, I am honored, to announce
that I come to you as a messenger."

"It is an honor that you come in any capacity, Sir. To what may I
attribute so kind a visit, to one so unimportant?"

"No, no, my dear Countess. We rate you very high. It is the wish
of a certain gentleman to have you attend a little meeting which
will not welcome many out of all this city. It is informal and
unofficial, my dear lady, but all those who will be there will be
glad to have your attendance. It was thought well for me to drop
in to interrogate your pleasure in the matter."

"It is a command, Sir! Very well, at what time, then?"

"If it should please you, it would delight me to accompany you at
once, my dear lady! My carriage is waiting now."

Josephine St. Auban did not lack decision upon her own part.
Something told her that no danger this time lurked for her.

"Pardon me for just one moment then, Sir," she answered. A few
moments later she returned, better prepared for the occasion with
just a touch to her toilet; and with a paper or two which with some
instinct she hastily snatched up from her desk. These latter she
hurriedly crowded into her little reticule. They took the carriage
and soon were passing through the streets toward the most public
portion of the city of Washington.

They entered wide grounds, and drew up before a stately building
which lay well back from the street. Entering, they passed through
a narrow hall, thence into a greater room, fitted with wide panels
decorated with many portraits of men great in the history of this
country. There was a long table in this room, and about it--some
of them not wholly visible in the rathe