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 smiling at this. Volkonsky, however, was far from smiling. He regarded these things as of tremendous import.

"And Madame Volkonsky—and the State dinner?" he said.

"That," answered Pembroke, with a bow, "rests solely with Madame Volkonsky. This government fights men, not women."

Volkonsky had been restless, getting up and walking about, and then sitting down at the table and resting his face on his hands. Pembroke had not moved from his first position, which was one of easy dignity. Presently Volkonsky burst out with:

"But did the President himself say anything of me?"

"He did."

"Then I insist on hearing it."

"M. Volkonsky, it would do you no good. The arrangements I have told you of are final, and I will be present with other members of the Foreign Affairs Committee at your meeting with the President."

Volkonsky at once thought that the President had said something which was favorable to him. He said violently:

"But I demand to know. I am still the accredited Minister of all the Russias. I have certain rights, which must be respected. I demand to know the President's exact language."

"M. Volkonsky, I expressly disclaim any sym