The one in the lead continued on toward Fourteenth.
Harleston's shot down Fifteenth, flashed over the tracks at Pennsylvania
Avenue, swung into F Street, and drew in at the Chateau just as the
other came around the Fourteenth Street corner, and rolled slowly up to
the curb.
As Snodgrass was assisting Madeline Spencer to alight--and taking his
time about it--Harleston glanced at his watch, sprang from his car, and
hastened over.
"This is fortunate, Mrs. Spencer!" he exclaimed. "Just after you left
the Rataplan the Secretary of State telephoned that he was summoned to
the White House at four, and I should bring you an hour earlier. On the
chance of overtaking you, I beat it after you. Now if Captain Snodgrass
will permit you, we have just time to get over to the Department."
"Will you excuse me, Captain Snodgrass?" she asked, with her compelling
smile.
"A Secretary of State may not be denied," Snodgrass replied. "In this
instance in particular I would I were his Excellency."
"Come and dine with me at eight," giving him her hand.... "Now, Mr.
Harleston, I am ready."
"What did you do with Mrs. Clephane?" she asked, when they were started.
"I left her at the Rataplan," he replied.
"Alone?"
"Oh no--with Carpenter, who chanced to be handy.
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