"They are but very slightly in advance of the truth, Señora," said Calhoun grimly. "For me, I do not believe in war when war can be averted. But suppose it _could_ be averted? Suppose the Señora Yturrio herself _could_ avert it? Suppose the Señora could remain here still, in this city which she so much admires? A lady of so distinguished beauty and charm is valuable in our society here." He bowed to her with stately grace. If there was mockery in his tone, she could not catch it; nor did her searching eyes read his meaning. "See," he resumed, "alone, I am helpless in this situation. If my government is offended, I can not stop the course of events. I am not the Senate; I am simply an officer in our administration--a very humble officer of his Excellency our president, Mr. Tyler." My lady broke out in a peal of low, rippling laughter, her white teeth gleaming. It was, after all, somewhat difficult to trifle with one who had been trained in intrigue all her life. Calhoun laughed now in his own quiet way. "We shall do better if we deal entirely frankly, Señora," said he. "Let us then waste no time. Frankly, then, it would seem that, now the Baroness von Ritz is off the scene, the Señora Yturrio would have all the better title and opportunity in the affections of--well, let us say, her own husband!" She bent toward him now, her lips open in a slow smile, all her subtle and dangerous beauty unmasking its batteries. The impression she conveyed was that of warmth and of spotted shadows such as play upon the leopard's back, such as mark the wing of the butterfly, the petal of some flower born in a land of heat and passion. But Calhoun regarded her calmly, his finger tips together, and spoke as deliberately as though communing with himself. "It is but one thing, one very little thing." "And what is that, Señor?" she asked at length. "The signature of Señor Van Zandt, attaché for Texas, on this memorandum of treaty between the United States and Texas." Bowing, he presented to her the document to which he had earlier directed my own attention. "We are well advised that Señor Van Zandt is trafficking this very hour with England as against us," he explained. "We ask the gracious assistance of Señora Yturrio. In return we promise her--silence!" "I can not--it is impossible!" she exclaimed, as she glanced at the pages. "It is our ruin--!" "No, Señora," said Calhoun sternly; "it means annexation of Texas to the United States. But that is not your ruin. It is your salvation. Your country well may doubt England, even England bearing gifts!" "I have no control over Señor Van Zandt--he is the enemy of my country!" she began.