"What is it, Miguel?" asked the President; "you have some papers for me?"
"Yes, Sir; a few minutes will suffice. You have had an exciting day; I rejoice it has terminated successfully."
"It has not been devoid of interest," said Molara, wearily. "What have you got for me?"
"Several foreign despatches. Great Britain has sent a note about the Sphere of Influence to the south of the African Colony, to which the Foreign Minister has drafted a reply."
"Ah! these English,—how grasping, how domineering! But we must be firm. I will maintain the territories of the Republic against all enemies, internal or external. We cannot send armies, but, thank God, we can write despatches. Is it strong enough?"
"Your Excellency need have no fears. We have vindicated our rights most emphatically; it will be a great moral victory."
"I hope we shall get material as well as moral good out of it. The country is rich; there is paying gold; that explains the note. Of course we must reply severely. What else?"
"There are some papers relating to the army, commissions and promotions, Sir," said Miguel, fingering one particular bundle of his papers, the bundle that lay between his first and second fingers. "Those sentences for confirmation, a draft of Morgon's Budget for information and opinion, and one or two minor matters."
"H'm, a long business! Very well, I will come and see to it. Dearest, you know how pressed I am. We shall meet to-night at the dinner. Have all the Ministers accepted?"
"All but Louvet, Antonio. He is detained by business."