I refer to the question of Texas." "I beg pardon, your Excellency," rejoined Mr.Pakenham, half rising.
"Your meaning is not perfectly clear to me." The same icy smile sat upon Mr.Tyler's face as he went on: "I can not believe that your government can wish to interfere in matters upon this continent to the extent of taking the position of open ally of the Republic of Mexico, a power so recently at war upon our own borders with the brave Texans who have left our flag to set up, through fair conquest, a republic of their own." The mottled face of Mr.Pakenham assumed a yet deeper red.

"As to that, your Excellency," said he, "your remark is, as you say, quite informal, of course--that is to say, as I may state--" "Quite so," rejoined Mr.Tyler gravely.

"The note of my Lord Aberdeen to us, none the less, in the point of its bearing upon the question of slavery in Texas, appears to this government as an expression which ought to be disavowed by your own government.

Do I make myself quite clear ?" (With John Calhoun present, Tyler could at times assume a courage though he had it not.) Mr.Pakenham's face glowed a deeper red.

"I am not at liberty to discuss my Lord Aberdeen's wishes in this matter," he said.