"I think you have been an unconscionable time in discovering what was palpably obvious from the outset."
He frowned. He liked this reply no better than I intended. Then the frown changed to a sneer, masked with a bantering smile, but all the same unmistakable.
"It is a serious matter for our Government to fall under your censure, Miss Gilmore."
"I don't think it is more stupid than other Governments," I retorted with intentional flippancy. I was not in the least awed by his eminent position, while he himself was, and found it difficult therefore to understand me. This was as I wished.
"Americans are very shrewd, I know, especially American ladies, who are also beautiful. But such matters as this——" and he waved his white hand again loftily; as though the problem would have baffled the wisdom of the world—any wisdom, indeed, but his.
Now this was just the opening I was seeking. I had only become governess to his two girls in order to make an opportunity for myself. I used the opening promptly.
"Will your Excellency send for your daughter, Charlotte?"
He started as if I had stuck a pin in him. If you wish to interest a man, you must of course mystify him.
"For what purpose?"
"That you may see there is no collusion."