The Secretary bowed stiffly and Dick nodded his head with indifference.
"The Italian Minister with whom I've just been talking wishes the honor of an introduction for his Secretary. Miss Jennie, will you meet him?"
"Certainly—"
"He's looking forward to the possible new Empire of the South," Holt whispered, "and proposes at an early day to forestall the French—"
Dick threw him a look of scorn as he returned to the door and rose with a scowl.
"I'll go out and get fresh air."
"Don't go—"
"I can't breathe in here. Two's company and three's a crowd."
She seized his arm:
"Please sit down, Dick."