"The situation is becoming absolutely bewildering," observed the Premier. "It may be best, I think, to convene another meeting of the Cabinet." Lord Warnham, with that involuntary caution that he had developed during long years of office as Minister of Foreign Affairs, at once dismissed Frank Lawley, but allowed me to remain. As his confidential secretary I had been present on many occasions when delicate matters of diplomacy had been adjusted and plans arranged which, if divulged, would have caused an upheaval throughout Europe. "No, I don't think another Council is necessary, at least not to-night," answered Lord Warnham, when the cosmopolitan messenger had closed the door behind him. "But the whole thing is at present a mystery," said the Prime Minister, standing astride with his broad back to the empty grate. "Exactly. We must have news from the Embassy in St Petersburg before long. Until then, I think we should be patient." "But hark!" exclaimed the Premier, quite calmly, and as we all three listened we could hear the dull roar of the crowd becoming louder. The popular excitement outside was intense, and the eager multitude increased each moment. "They are clamouring for news. It is, I think, time that another statement should be made in the House." "As you wish," Lord Warnham answered, with ill grace. It was part of his creed to tell the public absolutely nothing. The Premier was for publicity--he for secrecy always. "But whatever statement is made regarding the receipt of intelligence it cannot compromise our position at St Petersburg," the Marquis argued. "Very well. Let the statement be made. But, personally, I cannot see what we can say at present." "Say something. It will reassure the public that we are endeavouring to readjust diplomatic negotiations. Already we are being hounded down on all sides by wild-haired agitators as having been asleep. Let us show our opponents that we are now fully alive to England's peril." "Ah, Maybury," laughed the Foreign Minister, "it is always my opinion that the less the public know the easier it is for us to carry on the business of the country. The irresponsible journals are really the cause of nine-tenths of our diplomatic ruptures." "But the Press assist us in many ways, and if you are averse to a statement in the House why not make one to _The Times_, or to a news agency? Perhaps the latter course would be best, for it will re-establish public confidence." "But that will not be official," Lord Warnham demurred. "Nevertheless, we can make the official statement later, when we have received confirmation of this extraordinary dispatch." "Is the dispatch from Paris very remarkable?" I asked, unable to any longer bear their tantalising conversation, so anxious was I to ascertain the latest development of this conspiracy against our country.