CHAPTER XIX.
THE PARTING OF WAYS.
At the hour appointed Belton was at the door of the president's mansion and Bernard was there to meet him.

They walked in and entered the same room where years before Belton had, in the name of the Congress, offered Bernard the Presidency of the Imperium.
The evening was mild, and the window, which ran down to the floor, was hoisted.

The moon was shedding her full light and Bernard had not lighted his lamp.

Each of them took seats near the window, one on one side and the other on the other, their faces toward the lawn.
"Belton," said Bernard, "that was a masterly speech you made to-day.
If orations are measured according to difficulties surmounted and results achieved, yours ought to rank as a masterpiece.

Aside from that, it was a daring deed.