In the diplomatic game, my lady,
we know only one side--all other sides are the enemy; and nothing, not
even a woman's reputation, is permitted to stand for an instant in the
way of attaining our end."
"Therefore a good woman--or one who would forget the past--has no
earthly business to become involved in the game," Mrs. Clephane
returned. "I shall get out of it the instant this matter of the letter
is completed--and stay out thereafter. Even friendship won't lure me to
it. Never again, Mr. Harleston, never again for mine!"
"I wish you would let it end right now," he urged.
"That wouldn't be the part of a good sport, nor would it be just to
Madame Durrand. She trusts me."
"Then inform the French Ambassador of all the facts and circumstances
and retire from the game," he advised.
"Shall I inform him over the telephone?" she asked.
"You would never get the Ambassador on the telephone, unless you were
known to some one of the staff who could vouch for you."
"I don't know anyone on the staff, but Mrs. Durrand has likely
communicated with the Embassy."
"If she has, she had given them a minute description of you, yet that
can not be used to identify you over the telephone."
"I hesitate to go to the Embassy without the letter," she said.
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