"I told you so--"
Jennie blushed and smiled in friendly response to the Secretary's
awkward effort at Southern politeness.
"Miss Barton, may I ask a little favor of you?"
"Certainly, Mr. Holt. Allow me to introduce my friend, Mr. Welford of
Virginia."
The Secretary bowed stiffly and Dick nodded his head with indifference.
"The Italian Minister with whom I've just been talking wishes the honor
of an introduction for his Secretary. Miss Jennie, will you meet him?"
"Certainly--"
"He's looking forward to the possible new Empire of the South," Holt
whispered, "and proposes at an early day to forestall the French--"
Dick threw him a look of scorn as he returned to the door and rose with
a scowl.
"I'll go out and get fresh air."
"Don't go--"
"I can't breathe in here. Two's company and three's a crowd."
She seized his arm:
"Please sit down, Dick."
"I'll be back directly--"
In spite of her protest he bounded up the steps of the gallery, turned
sharply to the right, avoided the intruders and disappeared in the
crowd.
The Secretary of War bowed again:
"Miss Barton, permit me to introduce to you Signor Henrico Socola,
Secretary to His Excellency, the Minister of Sardinia."
The slender figure bent low with an easy grace.
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