"Ah, thank you. But if this is the case why didn't you mention the fact to me in Montreal?"
"I had my reasons."
"And why are all these people received as honoured guests in your father's palace?"
"That, if you'll permit me to say so, Marchmont, is a matter that doesn't concern you."
"Everything concerns me. Not that I expect you to see that point of view. But to put it another way. Considering all I've done to increase the sale of your book, won't you do me a good turn and tell me what you know about this affair?"
"I wish the confounded book had never sold a copy!" burst out Banborough. "And I'll not say one word to the detriment of my friends!"
"Then it is to be war?" queried the journalist, rolling a cigarette.
"Not so far as I'm concerned," replied his host. "Why don't you let bygones be bygones? A truce between the United States and Spain may be declared any day, and then—"
"Then my great scoop will be lost for ever. What would the public care about conspirators if there were no war?"
"Exactly what I say," said Cecil. "So let's drop the whole matter."