Tony shook his head. "I wasn't thinking so much about the government," he said. "It was the friends and supporters of the late Don Francisco that I had in my mind. I've got an idea that some of them might like to come over to Richmond and congratulate the Count on having arranged such a satisfactory marriage." The effect that this innocent remark produced upon Isabel's uncle was prompt and remarkable. His naturally unpleasant complexion went a sort of dirty green, and flinging his half-smoked cigar on the carpet he rose unsteadily to his feet. "Are we to sit here and be threatened and insulted any longer?" he demanded. "Apparently not," said Tony, "but all the same there's no need to burn a hole in my nice carpet." With a masterful gesture Da Freitas checked his companion's outburst. Then he too rose from the sofa, and stood facing Tony with the same easy and smiling urbanity that he had displayed all through the interview. "We are flattered at your interest in the affairs of our afflicted country, Sir Antony; but if you will forgive my offering you a little advice, it is a dangerous habit to make a plaything out of what other people take seriously." Tony stepped to the fireplace and pressed the electric bell. "All real pleasure seems to have a certain amount of risk about it," he admitted sadly. "The only thing to do is to hope for the best and take every proper precaution." The Marquis picked up his hat from the table on which he had placed it. "I have heard more foolish remarks," he observed, "from considerably wiser people." There was a sound outside, and then the door opened and Spalding appeared on the threshold. Tony turned to his guests. "Have you got a car?" he inquired, "or can my man drive you anywhere?" Da Freitas bowed. "You are very kind," he said, "but there is no need to trouble you. We are in the fortunate position of being able to look after ourselves--in every way." He walked to the door, followed by the Count de Sé, who haughtily ignored Tony's polite farewell. Leaning against the mantelpiece the latter waited placidly until he heard the grind and scrunch of the departing car, and then strolling out into the hall discovered Spalding in the act of closing the front door. "Have Miss Francis and Mr. Guy come back yet?" he inquired. "Yes, Sir Antony," replied Spalding. "They returned a few minutes ago and are waiting in the garden. I took the liberty of informing them who your visitors were. You had given no instructions, but I thought you might wish them to know." "It's a waste of time giving you instructions, Spalding," said Tony. "Your instincts are so invariably accurate." Spalding, as usual, acknowledged the compliment with a slight bow. "Would you wish lunch to be served, sir?" he inquired. "Or shall I put it off for a quarter of an hour?" "Oh, no, you can bring it up," said Tony. "I want support. There is something very exhausting about the foreign aristocracy."