Claiborne thought it wisest to discuss nations that were not represented at the table, and this made it very simple for all to unite in rejecting the impertinent claims of Japan to be reckoned among world powers, and to declare, for the benefit of the Russian attache, that Slav and Saxon must ultimately contend for the earth's dominion.
Then they fell to talking about individuals, chiefly men in the public eye; and as the Austro-Hungarian embassy was in mourning and unrepresented at the table, the new Emperor-king was discussed with considerable frankness.
"He has not old Stroebel's right hand to hold him up," remarked a young German officer.
"Thereby hangs a dark tale," remarked Claiborne.

"Somebody stuck a knife into Count von Stroebel at a singularly inopportune moment.

I saw him in Geneva two days before he was assassinated, and he was very feeble and seemed harassed.

It gives a man the shudders to think of what might happen if his Majesty, Charles Louis, should go by the board.

His only child died a year ago--after him his cousin Francis, and then the deluge." "Bah! Francis is not as dark as he's painted.