“My final answer,” Edestone bowed.
“And you, Mr. Secretary?”
“I am but the mouthpiece of my Government, and she has not spoken yet.”
“Well, gentlemen,” said the General rising, “I think we understand each other.”
“I think so,” replied Edestone. “Good-night, sir.”
The Secretary accompanied the visitor out into the hall, leaving Edestone, who as soon as he was alone rang for a servant and sent for Lawrence. In the meantime he just had opportunity to glance at the note which General von Lichtenstein had given him. It was a mere scrap of writing asking him to come to the Princess Wilhelmina immediately after the departure of His Imperial Majesty.
When Lawrence came in he hastily slipped this into his pocket.
“Lawrence,” he said, “I want you to send a message for me as soon as Jones has given his consent. I will ask him in regard to it as soon as he returns, so you had better wait and hear what he has to say.”
A moment later the Secretary came into the room with a very worried expression on his face. “Edestone,” he said impressively, “this undoubtedly means war.”
“And if so,” rejoined Edestone, “we will win.”