Mr. Foley rose to his feet reluctantly.

"I will come," he promised.

She closed the door and departed silently. At no time had she glanced
towards or taken any notice of Maraton.

"We discuss the fate of an empire," Mr. Foley sighed, "and necessity
demands that I must return to my guests! This conversation between us
must be finished. You are a reasonable man; you cannot deny the right
of an enemy to demand your terms before you declare war?"

Maraton, too, had risen to his feet. He had turned slightly and his
eyes were fixed upon the door through which Elisabeth had passed. For a
moment or two he seemed deep in thought. The immobility of his features
was at last disturbed. His eyes were wonderfully bright, his lips were
a little parted.

"On Saturday," Mr. Foley continued, "we leave for our country home.
For two days we shall be alone. It is not far away--an hour by rail.
Will you come, Mr. Maraton?"

Maraton withdrew his eyes from the door. "It seems a little useless,"
he said quietly. "Will you give me until to-morrow to think it over?"



CHAPTER IV

Maraton made his way from Downing Street on foot, curiously enough