She finally got it through her head, and resigned herself to the American service, deciding that the Court of St. James offered the most desirable prospects in view of its close proximity to the other great capitals of Europe. "Stuyvesant likes London next to Paris, and he could cross over to France whenever he felt the need of change." Mr. Smith-Parvis looked harassed. "Easier said than done," he ventured. "These chaps in the legations have to stick pretty close to their posts. He can't be running about, all over the place, you know. It isn't expected. You might as well understand in the beginning that he'll have to work like a nailer for a good many years before he gets anywhere in the diplomatic service." "Nonsense. Doesn't the President appoint men to act as Ambassadors who never had an hour's experience in diplomacy? It's all a matter of politics. I'm sorry to say, Philander, the right men are never appointed. It seems to be the practice in this country to appoint men who, so far as I know, have absolutely no social standing. Mr. Choate was an exception, of course. I am sure that Stuyvesant will go to the top rapidly if he is given a chance. Now, how shall we go about it, Philander?" She considered the matter settled. Her husband shook his head. "Have you spoken to Stuyvie about it?" he inquired. "Oh, dear me, no. I want to surprise him." "I see," said he, rather grimly for him. "I see. We simply say: 'Here is a nice soft berth in the diplomatic corps, Stuyvie. You may sail tomorrow if you like.'" "Don't be silly. And please do not call him Stuyvie. I've spoken to you about that a thousand times, Philander. Now, don't you think you ought to run down to Washington and see the President? It may--" "No, I don't," said he flatly. "I'm not a dee fool." "Don't--don't you care to see your son make something of himself?" she cried in dismay. "Certainly. I'd like nothing better than--" "Then, try to take a little interest in him," she said coldly. "In the first place," said he resignedly, "what are his politics?" "The same as yours. He is a Republican. All the people we know are Republicans. The Democrats are too common for words." "Well, his first attempt at diplomacy will be to change his politics," he said, waxing a little sarcastic as he gained courage. "And I'd advise you not to say nasty things about the Democrats. They are in the saddle now, you know. I suppose you've heard that the President is a Democrat?" "I can't help that," she replied stubbornly. "And he appoints nothing but Democrats." "Is there likely to be a Republican president soon?" she inquired, knitting her brows. "That's difficult to say." "I suppose Stuyvesant could, in a diplomatic sort of way, pretend to be a Democrat, couldn't he, dear?" "He lost nearly ten thousand dollars at the last election betting on what he said was a sure thing," said he, compressing his lips. "The poor dear!"