"It's perfectly maddening!" exclaimed Nell, with brows most becomingly wrinkled. "If we only knew something of English politics, we might be able to guess what it is all about." "Dad could see through it in a minute," sighed Susie, "but that poor dear will never have the chance, because, of course, we can't tell even him. And he likes this sort of thing, too; it would give him just the excitement he's been sighing for!" And yet fate willed that he was to have the chance, for half an hour later, after a short conference with Monsieur Pelletan, a gentleman whom we have met before in the apartment of Lord Vernon approached him where he sat in the smoking-room, drew up a chair, and sat down beside him. "This is Mr. Rushford, isn't it?" he asked. "Yes; that's my name," and the American looked him over in some surprise. "My name is Collins," went on the other. "I am secretary to Lord Vernon." "Glad to know you, Mr. Collins," and the American held out his hand. "I hope Lord Vernon's getting along all right." "As well as could be expected, thank you; but there has been a little unforeseen--er--complication--" "Nothing serious, I hope?" "Well, yes; to be quite frank, Mr. Rushford, I think it decidedly serious." "I'm sorry to hear that," said Rushford, with genuine feeling. "We Americans have always taken a special pride in Lord Vernon's career--his mother was an American girl, you know--and his death would be almost a personal loss to us." "His death?" echoed Collins, staring. "There's no immediate danger, then? I'm glad of that. Still, if the complication is as serious as you think--" "My dear sir," broke in the Englishman, "you have misunderstood me. Lord Vernon's health is--er--quite satisfactory, all things considered. The complication is in--er--a rather delicate affair of state, which--which--" "Anything I can do?" asked Rushford, encouragingly, as the other stammered and broke down. "Yes, there is, Mr. Rushford," answered Collins, quickly, taking his courage in both hands. "Or, rather, there's something your daughters can do." "My daughters?" Rushford looked at him again, a growing suspicion in his eyes. "I don't quite understand. You'll have to be more explicit, Mr. Collins. I don't see how my daughters can have anything to do with your affairs of state." "I am going to be as explicit as I can," Collins assured him, "but it's such an infernally delicate matter that one hardly knows where to begin. Of course, what I have to tell you must be told in confidence." "All right," said the American, with a little pucker of the brow which told that he did not wholly like Mr. Collins. 'Fire ahead." "First, if you don't mind," said the Englishman, looking about him, "I think we'd better get out of this crowd." "Suppose we go up to my rooms," suggested Rushford, rising. "We'll be free from interruption there, and can thresh the whole thing out."