"It was the only thing to do."
Betty spoke in a whisper:
"You mean that their conspiracy had become so dangerous there was no other way?"
He threw her a searching look, was silent a moment and slowly said:
"That's a pointed question, isn't it?"
"I'm a member of your Cabinet, you know——"
"Yes, I know—but why do you happen to ask me such a dangerous question at this particularly trying moment? Come, my little bright eyes, out with it?"
"The certain young man and I are not very happy——"
"You've quarrelled?"
"Yes."