‘The way I look at it is that if he had known for certain that Washington meant to make the peace treaty with England at any price, he’d ha’ left old Faucher fumbling about in Philadelphia while he went straight back to France and told old Danton--“It’s no good your wasting time and hopes on the United States, because she won’t fight on our side--that I’ve proof of!” Then Danton might have been grateful and given Talleyrand a job, because a whole mass of things hang on knowing for sure who’s your friend and who’s your enemy. Just think of us poor shop-keepers, for instance.’ ‘Did Red Jacket let you tell, when he came back?’ Una asked. ‘Of course not. He said, “When Cornplanter and I ask you what Big Hand said to the whites you can tell the Lame Chief. All that talk was left behind in the timber, as Big Hand ordered. Tell the Lame Chief there will be no war. He can go back to France with that word.” ‘Talleyrand and me hadn’t met for a long time except at emigre parties. When I give him the message he just shook his head. He was sorting buttons in the shop. ‘“I cannot return to France with nothing better than the word of an unsophisticated savage,” he says. ‘“Hasn’t the President said anything to you?” I asked him. ‘“He has said everything that one in his position ought to say, but--but if only I had what he said to his Cabinet after Genet rode off I believe I could change Europe--the world, maybe.” ‘“I’m sorry,” I says. “Maybe you’ll do that without my help.” ‘He looked at me hard. “Either you have unusual observation for one so young, or you choose to be insolent,” he says. ‘“It was intended for a compliment,” I says. “But no odds. We’re off in a few days for our summer trip, and I’ve come to make my good-byes.” ‘“I go on my travels too,” he says. “If ever we meet again you may be sure I will do my best to repay what I owe you.” ‘“Without malice, Abbe, I hope,” I says. ‘“None whatever,” says he. “Give my respects to your adorable Dr Pangloss” (that was one of his side-names for Toby) “and the Huron.” I never could teach him the difference betwixt Hurons and Senecas. ‘Then Sister Haga came in for a paper of what we call “pilly buttons,” and that was the last I saw of Talleyrand in those parts.’