man, a very rare man, who can be with her ten minutes and not succumb to
her manifold attractions of mind and body."

"You have succumbed?" the Secretary smiled.

"I have--twenty times at least. You'll join the throng, if she has
occasion to need you, and gives you half a chance."

"I'm married!" said the Secretary.

"I'm quite aware of it!"

"I'm immune!"

"And yet you're wishing to see her in the flesh!" Harleston smiled.

"I think I can safely take the risk!" smoothing his chin complacently.

"Other men have thought the same, I believe, and been burned. However,
if the lady is in Washington I'll engage that you meet her. Also, I'll
acquaint her of your boasted immunity from her _beaux yeux_."

"The latter isn't within the scope of your duty, sir," the Secretary
smiled. "Now we'll have Carpenter."

He touched a button.

A moment later Carpenter entered; a scholarly-looking man in the
fifties; bald as an egg, with the quiet dignity of bearing which goes
with a student, who at the same time is an expert in his particular