"You do not misunderstand that?" she asked hurriedly. "It does not mean that I love you less, but more, if anything. And I am not resigned! Only, I feel as if in some way I had received a little help, as if--I cannot express it." "I understand you perfectly. We are a little closer than we were, and life is not quite so grey." "That is it. And I would supplement your bare statement of the fact, if I dared." "If you do, I certainly shall kiss you right here in the crowd," he said, and they smiled into each other's eyes. There was little need of explanations between them. "That would form a brief diversion for Washington. And as for Mrs. Mudd--By the way, I hope I am not going off. You are the second person who has told me that I am not looking well." "You are improved as far as I am concerned. And if you ever faded, happiness would restore you at once. If happiness never came, perhaps you would not care--would you?" She shrugged her beautiful shoulders and smiled quizzically. "I don't know. _Je suis femme_. I think I might always find some measure of consolation in the mirror if it behaved properly." "Your sincerity is one of your charms. So walk and eat and live in the world, and think as little as you can." "This conservatory is fearfully draughty," remarked Lady Mary, close to Betty's shoulder. "I don't want to stay all night, do you?" "I am ready," said Betty; but she sighed, for she had been almost happy for the hour. XI If the reception at the White House had been calm, Betty's _salon_ on the following evening was not. On Tuesday the House, after duly relieving its feelings by an hour and a half of war talk, flaming with every variety of patriotism, passed the bill appropriating $50,000,000 for the national defence. On Wednesday the bill passed the Senate without a word beyond the "ayes" of its members. On the morrow the War Department would begin the mobilization of the army; and although the _Maine_ Court of Inquiry had not completed its labours, the New York World, in the interest of curious humanity, had instituted a submarine inquiry of its own and given the result to the country. Even Senator North regarded war as almost inevitable, although the controvertible proof of explosion from without only involved the Spanish by inference. The women who were privileged to attend the now famous _salon_ wore their freshest and most becoming gowns, and most of the Senators would have been glad to have frivoled away the evening in compliments, so refreshing was the sight of an attractive face after a long and anxious day. But the eyes of the women sparkled with patriotic fire only. One burst into tears and others threatened hysterics, but got through the evening comfortably. Mrs. Madison sat on a sofa and fanned herself nervously; Senator Maxwell and Senator North at her request kept close to her side.