make some amends."

"I deny every word you say," the Minister declared passionately, "and
I refuse to hear your proposition."

Mr Sidney's manner suddenly changed. He leaned forward in his chair.

"Do not be foolish," he advised. "Your last letter to a certain
personage was dated June second. I have a copy of it with me. Shall I
read it to you, word by word?"

"Thank you, I remember enough of it," Lord Romsey groaned.

"You will listen, then to what I have to say," the envoy proceeded,
"or that letter will be published in the Times to-morrow morning. You
know what that will mean--your political ruin, your everlasting
disgrace. What use will this country, blinded at the present moment
by prejudice, have for a statesman, who without authority, pledged
his Government to an alliance with Germany, who over his own
signature--"

"Stop!" Lord Romsey interrupted. "There is no purpose in this. What
is it you want?"

"Your influence in the Cabinet. You are responsible for this war.
It is for you to end it."

"Rubbish!" the other exclaimed hoarsely. "You are attempting to
saddle me with a responsibility like this, simply because my personal
sympathies have always been on the side of the country you are