“You perhaps have gone too fast,” answered Volkonsky in a quiet voice--for the whole conversation had been conducted in a conversational key. “You are no doubt aware that the United States Government is bound by some obligations to the Government of the Czar, owing to the stand taken by Russia during your civil war, when you, Mr. Pembroke, were in rebellion. If you will remember, when there seemed a strong probability that the Confederate government would be recognized by England and France, the Czar signified, that if such a contingency arose, he would be prepared to render the United States active help. As a guarantee, you will recollect the appearance of a small Russian fleet off the Pacific Coast. Now, upon the first occasion that a member of the royal family comes to the United States, to have a diplomatic scandal--to dismiss the Russian Minister the day after the Grand Duke’s arrival--when arrangements are made for the presentations, and certain formal entertainments--will certainly be most awkward, and I may say, embarrassing, for his royal highness as well as the Russian Government.” “Quite true,” answered Pembroke. “This phase of the question was discussed fully by the Secretary of State, who was present at the interview with the President. He mentioned that the strongest proof of friendship this Government could give the Russian Government would be for the Secretary to state privately to the Grand Duke how matters stand, and to offer, on his account, to permit your presence temporarily in Washington.” Volkonsky stood up for a moment and sat down again. His face was quite desperate by this time. And the amazing audacity of this American! “How can it be arranged? It is impossible; you must yield,” he gasped. “The President himself has arranged everything. That is,” he added, with some malice, “he agreed to my proposition, as did the Secretary of State. The Secretary, to-morrow, will have an interview with the Grand Duke, and--” “Will follow the Grand Duke’s wishes?” eagerly asked Volkonsky, rising again. “Not at all,” replied Pembroke, with dignity. “Such is not the practice of this government. The Secretary will notify the Grand Duke what the President is prepared to yield out of courtesy to the Russian Government, and respect for the Czar’s family. You will be allowed to present the Grand Duke to the President, according to the original programme. But you will be careful not to offer your hand to the President, or to presume to engage him in conversation. Don’t forget this.” “And the State dinner to his royal highness?” asked Volkonsky, in a tremulous voice. “A card will be sent you, but you must absent yourself. It was agreed that you had abundant resources by which you could avoid coming, which I warn you will not be allowed. You might be called away from Washington upon imperative business.”