“Like all British _gentlemen_,” I interposed, to his amusement. [Illustration: GENERAL REFET PASHA AND COLONEL MOUGIN IN CONSTANTINOPLE. p. 288 ] “Enemies, or not enemies,” he said, “in spite of all the terrible things your compatriots have done, they are fine and intelligent men. I ventured to say to them: ‘Perhaps, by bringing every man you can obtain from the four corners of the earth, you may crush our forces, but _never_ our spirit. And remember, in crushing us you will mutilate yourselves for ever!’ General Harington knows that. He perfectly understands.” The General spoke of his twenty-eight years’ service: the terrible hardship of these last years, when they had to fight, not only the enemy without, but those Turks who had thrown in their lot with the Allies. “They say,” he went on, “soldiers love war. It is not true. They hate it, because they know what it means. Politicians want war and make war; we only have to obey.” He has a very high opinion of the present Khalif, whom I myself met ten years ago, in the days of Mahmoud II. “Everybody has the greatest respect for him,” he went on, “and rightly; a fine gentleman and a great artist.” “How does he like not being a Sultan?” “He is the Khalif,” he replied. “In his place, however, I might prefer the lesser honour and the smaller responsibilities.” “Do you approve of my going to Lausanne?” I asked. “You have worked hard, and honestly, at studying the country and striven very sincerely to understand my people. It will be well for your delegates to be told the truth. Nevertheless, Lord Curzon himself knows the subject inside out. He has made up his mind, and knows exactly what he intends to do. Above all, he thoroughly understands what effect his policy will produce.” I believe every word. This time the Prime Minister will have nothing to say; Lord Curzon has _full powers_. His responsibilities are heavy indeed. With the terrible heritage of “ugly debts” incurred in the name of England, of which he will personally be held guilty for years to come! For him, the _right_ way is not the _easy_ way. * * * * * The British officials of Constantinople have been most kind to me; as the only Englishwoman who knows the story of Angora, and has been near to the “heart” of the Turks; they hope I shall go to Lausanne. But who will listen? From the beginning of time, has an Englishman ever asked a woman for her opinion, or listened to her if she expressed one, even after being consulted! Often, of course, a personality like Lady Hamilton’s, may exert great influence; but men do not come to us for information or advice on policy however much we may know, however deeply and clearly we may think. I am still uncertain of how much our women may ever be allowed to effect in politics and diplomacy.