I said nothing. I, too, doubted.

"However, it's not important to us," said he. "Whatever the outcome
the lady will be here long enough for you to lose the wager."

"Damn the wager," I exclaimed.

"Damn everything you have a mind to, my dear fellow," he encouraged.

"And you in particular," I said.

"Wherefore, my dear Major?" he laughed.

"For suggesting this fool thing."

"Poor boy! I should have regarded your youthful impetuosity."

I shrugged my shoulders.

"And grey hairs," he added.

"I've a mind to toss you out of the carriage," said I.

"Do it,--and save me the trouble of getting myself out," he answered;
and then we drew under the _porte cochère_ at the Embassy.

The matter of a residence had not bothered Courtney. He simply took
General Russell's lease off his hands, and twenty thousand a year rent
with it. I was to live at the Legation, there being no Ambassadorial
women folks to make the staff _de trop_. Naturally, I was quite