He mentioned a name then well known in diplomatic and social life, when intrigue in Washington, if not open, was none too well hidden. "Gay Sir Richard!" he resumed. "You know, his ancestor was a brother-in-law of the Duke of Wellington. He himself seems to have absorbed some of the great duke's fondness for the fair. Before he came to us he was with England's legation in Mexico. 'Twas there he first met the Doña Lucrezia. 'Tis said he would have remained in Mexico had it not been arranged that she and her husband, Señor Yturrio, should accompany General Almonte in the Mexican ministry here. On _these_ conditions, Sir Richard agreed to accept promotion as minister plenipotentiary to Washington!" "That was nine years ago," commented Doctor Ward. "Yes; and it was only last fall that he was made envoy extraordinary. He is at least an extraordinary envoy! Near fifty years of age, he seems to forget public decency; he forgets even the Doña Lucrezia, leaving her to the admiration of Mr. Polk and Mr. Van Zandt, and follows off after the sprightly Baroness von Ritz. Meantime, Señor Yturrio _also_ forgets the Doña Lucrezia, and proceeds _also_ to follow after the baroness--although with less hope than Sir Richard, as they say! At least Pakenham has taste! The Baroness von Ritz has brains and beauty both. It is _she_ who is England's real envoy. Now, I believe she knows England's real intentions as to Texas." Doctor Ward screwed his lips for a long whistle, as he contemplated John Calhoun's thin, determined face. "I do not care at present to say more," went on my chief; "but do you not see, granted certain motives, Polk might come into power pledged to the extension of our Southwest borders--" "Calhoun, are you mad?" cried his friend. "Would you plunge this country into war? Would you pit two peoples, like cocks on a floor? And would you use women in our diplomacy?" Calhoun now was no longer the friend, the humanitarian. He was the relentless machine; the idea; the single purpose, which to the world at large he had been all his life in Congress, in cabinets, on this or the other side of the throne of American power. He spoke coldly as he went on: "In these matters it is not a question of means, but of results. If war comes, let it come; although I hope it will not come. As to the use of women--tell me, _why not women?_ Why anything _else_ but women? It is only playing life against life; one variant against another. That is politics, my friend. I _want_ Pakenham. So, I must learn what _Pakenham_ wants! Does he want Texas for England, or the Baroness von Ritz _for himself?_" Ward still sat and looked at him. "My God!" said he at last, softly; but Calhoun went on: