"He isn't an Englishman, at any rate. He repudiated the idea with scorn."

"Well, your Mr. Armitage didn't seem so awfully excited at meeting
Singleton; but he seemed rather satisfied with your appearance, to put it
mildly. I wonder if he had arranged with Singleton to pass by in that
purely incidental way, just for the privilege of making your
acquaintance!"

"Don't be foolish, Dick. It's unbecoming an officer and a gentleman. But
if you should see Mr. Singleton again--"

"Yes--not if I see him _first_!" ejaculated Claiborne.

"Well, you might ask him who Mr. Armitage is. It would be amusing--and
satisfying--to know."

Later in the day the old attaché fell upon Claiborne in the smoking-room
and stopped to discuss a report that a change was impending in the
American State Department. Changes at Washington did not trouble
Singleton, who was sure of his tenure. He said as much; and after some
further talk, Claiborne remarked:

"Your friend Armitage seems a good sort."

"Oh, yes; a capital talker, and thoroughly well posted in affairs."

"Yes, he seemed interesting. Do you happen to know where he lives--when
he's at home?"