He opened the proceedings in his sharp, autocratic way. "You have already had a meeting about this particular _coup_ which I planned in London." The young Frenchwoman spoke eagerly. If ever there was an enthusiast in the sacred cause, she was one. Ready to be burned or hanged for her principles, she had the spirit of the early Christian martyrs. "We know all about it, Contraras." In the spirit of true democracy, they addressed each other by no formal prefix. "I have undertaken it. It probably means death to me, I can only escape by a miracle, but it also means death to our enemies." Contraras looked at her approvingly from under his bushy eyebrows. "There spoke a true daughter of the Revolution which is to remake the world. If years had not come upon me, if my eyesight were more keen, my hand more sure, I would not delegate this task to another, less especially to a woman." Zorrilta hastened to observe obsequiously, "We cannot afford to hazard your precious life, Contraras. You are the head and brain of this organisation. The general directs the battle from safe ground. He does not go into the firing-line like the common soldier." Contraras smiled, well pleased. Like most great men, he was very susceptible to flattery, as easily susceptible as the most despotic monarch that ever ruled. "I appreciate your devotion to the cause, your loyalty to myself," he said in his most gracious manner. "When this great blow is struck, when we make a most terrible example, the echoes of it will reverberate through the world. The downtrodden population will arise, the world-revolution will be in being." There was a subdued murmur of applause at the conclusion of his speech. Moreno applauded the loudest; somehow Violet Hargrave could never force herself to be very enthusiastic. Moreno was watching her very narrowly. Mademoiselle Delmonte spoke. "I cannot say how proud I am to have had this task deputed to me." She looked very brave and resolute. The meeting lasted for over half an hour. Details of the great _coup_ were settled. Contraras had a powerful and logical brain. He never allowed digressions or diversions, he always kept everybody to the point. When the meeting broke up two people were very radiant, Contraras, who had planned the _coup_, the enthusiastic Valerie Delmonte, who had undertaken to carry it into execution, with or without assistance, as might be determined. They strolled out from the obscure little cafe one by one. Moreno presently overtook Mrs Hargrave, in her peasant dress. They lodged near each other; it was natural they should stroll along together in the direction of their respective homes. Behind them came Contraras, and the two other men who had joined forces after leaving the cafe. Contraras looked after the two young people with those keen eyes which age had not very greatly dimmed.