Only a few months ago, they even further reduced the size of their ridiculous army and threw cold water upon a scheme for raising untrained help in case of emergency.

Even their navy estimates are passed with difficulty.

The Government which is conducting the destinies of a people like this, which believes that war belongs to a past age, is never likely to become a menace to us." Anna drew a little sigh and lit the cigarette which the Prince passed her.

She threw herself back in her chair with an air of contentment.
"It is so pleasant once more to be among the big things," she declared.
"In Berlin I think they are not fond of me, and they are so pompous and secretive.

Tell me, dear Prince, will you not be kinder to me?
Tell me what is really going to happen ?" He moved his chair a little closer to hers.
"I see no reason," he said cautiously, "why you should not be told.
Events, then, will probably move in this direction.