"I can't see very much in this diplomatic game, anyhow," said Mr. Smith-Parvis determinedly. "I asked you a direct question, Philander," she said stiffly. "I--I seem to have forgotten just what--" "I asked you how we are to go about securing an appointment for him." "Oh," said he, wilting a little. "So you did. Well,--um--aw--let me think. There's only one way. He's got to have a pull. Does he know any one high up in the Democratic ranks? Any one who possesses great influence?" There was a twinkle in his eye. "I--I don't know," she replied, helplessly. "He is quite young, Philander. He can't be expected to know everybody. But you! Now that I think of it, you must know any number of influential Democrats. There must be some one to whom you could go. You would simply say to him that Stuyvesant agrees to enter the service, and that he will do everything in his power to raise it to the social standard--" "The man would die laughing," said he unfeelingly. "I was just thinking. Suppose I were to go to the only influential Democratic politician I know,--Cornelius McFaddan,--and tell him that Stuyvesant advocates the reconstruction of our diplomatic service along English lines, he would undoubtedly say things to me that I could neither forget nor forgive. I can almost hear him now." "You refuse to make any effort at all, then?" "Not at all," he broke in quickly. "I will see him. As a matter of fact, McFaddan is a very decent sort of chap, and he is keen to join the Oxford Country Club. He knows I am on the Board of Governors. In fact, he asked me not long ago what golf club I'd advise him to join. He thinks he's getting too fat. Wants to take up golf." "But you _couldn't_ propose him for membership in the Oxford, Philander," she said flatly. "Only the smartest people in town--" "Leave it to me," he interrupted, a flash of enthusiasm in his eyes. "By gad, I shouldn't be surprised if I could do something through him. He carries a good deal of weight." "Would it be wise to let him reduce it by playing golf?" she inquired doubtfully. He stared. "I mean politically. Figure of speech, my dear." "Oh, I see." "A little coddling on my part, and that sort of thing. They all want to break into society,--every last one of them. You never can tell. A little soft soap goes a long way sometimes. I could ask him to have luncheon with me at Bombay House. Um-m-m!" He fell into a reflective mood. Mrs. Smith-Parvis also was thoughtful. An amazing idea had sprouted in her head. "Has he a wife?" she inquired, after many minutes. "They always have, those chaps," said he. "And a lot of children." "I was just wondering if it wouldn't be good policy to have them to dinner some night, Philander," she said. "Oh, my God!" he exclaimed, sitting up suddenly and staring at her in astonishment.