The Powers are surprised and angry that Greece should dare to disagree
with them; but the reply has been written in such a careful manner that it
is not an open defiance of their wishes. They cannot therefore send the
second note of which we spoke in our last number, but have had to call for
a fresh discussion of the matter.

The general idea is that the reply of Greece is very clever, and that it
may be the means of preventing a war, because it is so reasonable in its
tone that Europe cannot find in it an excuse for getting angry enough to
declare war.

The reply of Greece opens a way for further discussion, which may lead to
a settlement.

There is a good deal of sly diplomacy under this soft answer.

The great combination which is called the Powers, consists of six nations:
Germany, France, Italy, Russia, Austria, and Great Britain. It is
necessary for these six nations to agree before any action can be taken by
them. As a matter of fact, they are very far from agreeing. Greece, it
seems, is well aware of this, and relies on it to help her get her own way
in the end.

To begin with, France has sent word that she cannot possibly take part in
any severe measures against Greece, while public opinion remains as it is
in France. She would be glad to act with the Powers, but dares not do so
in the face of the opposition of the French Parliament.

England would gladly take the same stand. She is, however, unable to do
so, because the rest of the Powers are now suspecting her of having