“Let's try a fever, or a fire. By Jove! the sacrifice of a few chairs and window-curtains would be a cheap alternative,” said George Onslow.
“Why not essay a compromise, my Lady?” interposed a young German secretary of legation; “a mixed garrison, like that of Rastadt?”
“Lady Hester's troops to mount guard alternately with the Rickettses'. Downright treason, base treason!” exclaimed another.
“What would you think of a special mission, my Lady?” simpered Jekyl. “It would at least serve to enlighten us as to the views of the enemy. The discussion of the past often throws much light on the future.”
“Jekyl wants to earn a decoration,” said another, laughing. “He intends to be the envoy himself.”
“I'll wager that I know Midchekoff's policy,” said a young Sicilian, who always spoke with a frank fearlessness that is most rare with other Italians.
“Well, let us hear it,” said the Prince, gravely.
“You would counsel the national expedient of retiring before the enemy, and making the country too cold to hold them?”
“How absurd!” said Lady Hester, half angrily; “give up one's house to a set of people who have had the impertinence to intrude themselves unasked?”
“And yet Giasconi is right,” said the Prince. “It is the best suggestion we have heard yet. Hostilities imply, to a certain extent, equality; negotiation is an acknowledgment of acquaintanceship; a dignified retreat, however, avoids either difficulty.”