"We met here upon a purely informal matter, and--" "I have only ventured to hope," rejoined Mr.Tyler, "that the personal kindness of your own heart might move you in so grave a matter as that which may lead to war between two powers." "War, sir, _war_ ?" Mr.Pakenham went wholly purple in his surprise, and sprang to his feet.

"War!" he repeated once more.

"As though there could be any hope--" "Quite right, sir," said Mr.Tyler grimly.

"As though there could be any hope for us save in our own conduct of our own affairs, without any interference from any foreign power!" I knew it was John Calhoun speaking these words, not Mr.Tyler.I saw Mr.Calhoun's keen, cold eyes fixed closely upon the face of his president.

The consternation created by the latter's words was plainly visible.
"Of course, this conversation is entirely irregular--I mean to say, wholly unofficial, your Excellency ?" hesitated Pakenham.