Yuki welcomed the new arrivals, repeated her password, and ushered them personally into the office. She stationed herself by a window, now watching and praying that her husband might come soon, and alone. Three more kuruma rattled in,--common street kuruma. In the first two were Sir Charles and a Japanese cabinet minister; in the last, Hagané. The three fell into deep speech before the drawing-room could claim them. Hagané led them, as if by instinct, to the office-door. None seemed to perceive the little hostess, clutching at a window-curtain. "My Lord," she faltered, coming forward swiftly to within a few feet of her husband, "may I speak--" He turned half-recognizing eyes. "Who already have seats in the inner office?" She named the two men. "Two more of our countrymen and Mr. Todd to come," he murmured. "That makes the number." "Cannot I see your Highness a brief instant?" she pleaded. Two more Japanese gentlemen entered on foot. Hagané conducted them to the door of the office. Yuki kept close to him. "Lord, Lord--my husband!" she cried in desperation. The note of appeal at last carried. "Any personal matter must wait, my child," he said, not unkindly, but with a decision that blighted hope. "I thought I instructed you as to this also." Minister Todd arrived. He appeared both anxious and excited. In his hand he carried a leathern portfolio filled with papers. His nod toward her had absent-minded indirectness. "Oh, Yuki, it's you, is it? I suppose you have been coached. Have the rest come?" "Yes,--in the office there, where I am to conduct you. May--may I speak a moment, Mr. Todd?" "Is that the office?" he asked, pointing. "I tell you, little Princess Yuki-ko, big things are doing this day of our Lord. You wish to speak with me?" Hagané's face appeared between the portiéres. "Ah, it is his Excellency of America. Now are all come. This way, if you please, Mr. Todd. Remember, Yuki-ko, leave not this room until I speak with you again, and, if possible, let no guest enter." "My husband," cried the girl, "this matter on my heart is no light thing. I must speak!" Both men turned, frowning slightly. "We cannot attend to hearts just now, my child," said Hagané. "You must defer your communication." "That wasn't like Yuki at all to stop us at such a time," mused Todd, as he followed his host. "Your Excellency," he said to the broad silk-clad back before him, "are you sure that we did well to rebuff that little girl?" "I am only sure, this hour, that our land is menaced." Salutations from the other statesmen interrupted this personal trend of talk.