No, that was not quite it.
As she knew a man would have liked her to look!
The woman on the screen spoke, her eyes smiling into his in a manner that was painfully familiar.
"Your Illustrious Sublimity has become the first to share my little secret."
Vyrtl, with a concentration of will, prevented his eyes from peeping sidelong at Wilkins' expression.
"We are somewhat surprised," he said, knowing it for an asinine remark but afraid to risk his dignity by being plainer.
"Of course," she said, "I hardly expect it to make any difference in the imperial announcement of peace, but if any clarification is desired of me, I shall be happy to oblige."
Vyrtl thought furiously. Had he actually said anything to Wilkins or anyone else? He tried to remember every word spoken at the conference. It seemed to him there had been one or two slips, but they had been taken for imperial witticisms.
No, he was safe enough. The Jursan Council and their technicians naturally must know the "clarification" offered him, but they would know better than to publicize it. He could afford to show no mercy if they did. As things stood, it might be best to stand by his published word.
"We desire," he said slowly, "that you, as ambassador, return immediately. You will have every facility to communicate with your government, to repay the inconvenience."