XVI
Late in 1868 Merton rejoined the army, and I did not see him again until in 1869, when I was American minister at The Hague. In June of that year Colonel and Mrs. Merton became my guests. When I told Mrs. Merton that Count le Moyne was the French ambassador in Holland, she said to her husband:
“I told you we should meet, and really I should like to tell him how sorry I was for him.”
“I fancy,” said I, “that the count will hardly think a return to that little corner of history desirable.”
“Even,” said Merton, laughing, “with the belated consolation of the penitence of successful crime.”
“But I am not, I never was penitent. I was only sorry.”
“Well,” said I, “you will never have the chance to confess your regret.”