CHAPTER XXI.
POLITICS UNDER COVER To a woman, the romances she makes are more amusing than those she reads .-- _Theophile Gautier_.
It was curious how cleverly this austere old man, unskilled in the arts of gallantry, now handled the problem to which he had addressed himself, even though that meant forecasting the whim of yet another woman.

It all came easily about, precisely as he had planned.
It seemed quite correct for the daughter of our secretary of state to call to inquire for the health of the fair Senora Yturrio, and to present the compliments of Madam Calhoun, at that time not in the city of Washington.

Matters went so smoothly that I felt justified in suggesting a little drive, and Senora Yturrio had no hesitation in accepting.

Quite naturally, our stately progress finally brought us close to the residence of Miss Calhoun.

That lady suggested that, since the day was warm, it might be well to descend and see if we might not find a sherbet; all of which also seemed quite to the wish of the lady from Mexico.