“Why, no,” was the hesitant reply. “It isn’t quite clear, but it seems to be for Miss Brewster.” “Why not?” inquired that young lady coolly. “What is it?” “The best I could make of it over the phone—Wisner had to be guarded—was that people planning to take Dutch leave would better pay their parting calls by to-morrow at the latest.” “That would mean day after to-morrow, wouldn’t it?” mused the girl. “If it means anything at all,” substituted her father testily. “Meantime, how do you like the Gran Hotel Kast, Miss Brewster?” asked Sherwen. “It’s awful beyond words! I’ve done nothing but wish for a brigade of Biddies, with good stout mops, and a government permit to clean up. I’d give it a bath!” “Yes, it’s pretty bad. I’m glad you don’t like it.” “Glad? Is every one ag’in’ poor me?” “Because—well, the American Legation is a very lonely place. Now, the presence of an American lady—” “Are you offering a proposal of marriage, Mr. Sherwen?” twinkled the girl. “If so—Dad, please leave the room.” “Knock twenty years off my battle-scarred life and you wouldn’t be safe a minute,” he retorted. “But, no. This is a measure of safety. Sir Willet thinks that your party ought to be ready to move into the American Legation on instant notice, if you can’t get away to sea to-morrow.” “What’s the use, if the legation has no official existence?” asked Mr. Brewster. “In a sense it has. It would probably be respected by a mob. And, at the worst, it adjoins the British Legation, which would be quite safe. If it weren’t that Sir Willet’s boy has typhoid, you’d be formally invited to go there.” “It’s very good of you,” said Miss Polly warmly. “But surely it would be an awful nuisance to you.” “On the contrary, you’d brace up my far-too-casual old housekeeper and get the machinery running. She constantly takes advantage of my bachelor ignorance. If you say you’ll come, I’ll almost pray for the outbreak.” “Certainly we’ll come, at any time you notify us,” said Mr. Brewster. “And we’re very grateful. Shall you have room for Mr. Carroll, too?” “By all means. And I’ve notified Mr. Cluff. You won’t mind his being there? He’s a rough diamond, but a thoroughly decent fellow.” “Useful, too, in case of trouble, I should judge,” said the magnate. “Then I’ll wait for further word from you.” “Yes. I’ve got my men out on watch.” “Wouldn’t it be—er—advisable for us to arm ourselves?” “By no means! There’s just one course to follow; keep the peace at any price, and give the Hochwaldians not the slightest peg on which to hang a charge that Americans have been responsible for any trouble that might arise. May I ask you,” he added significantly, “to make this clear to Mr. Carroll?” “Leave that to me,” said Miss Brewster, with superb confidence.