Now, if it affords you any pleasure, I _beg_ you, I _implore_ you, to tell me what you mean!" "Did you credit the attache of Mexico with being nothing more than a drunken rowdy, to follow me across town with a little shoe in his carriage ?" "But you said he was in wine." "True.

But would that be a reason?
Continually you show your lack of brain in accepting as conclusive results which could not possibly have occurred.

_Granted_ he was in wine, _granted_ he followed me, _granted_ he had my shoe in his possession--what then?
Does it follow that at the ball at the White House he could have removed that shoe?
Does Monsieur think that I, too, was in wine ?" "I agree that I have no brain! I can not guess what you mean.

I can only beg once more that you explain." "Now listen.

In your most youthful and charming innocence I presume you do not know much of the capabilities for concealment offered by a lady's apparel! Now, suppose I had a message--where do you think I could hide it; granted, of course, the conditions obtaining at a ball in the White House ?" "Then you did have a message?
It came to you there, at that time ?" She nodded.