"Assuredly."

"Then I shall grant you the right to guess which interested me
the most. You Americans delight in puzzles, I am told."

"Now, that is unfair."

"So it is. Did you read the despatch from Constantinople?" Her
arm fell to her side suddenly as if she had just realized its
position.

"The one that told of the French ambassador's visit to the
Sultan?"

"Concerning the small matter of a loan of some millions--yes.
Well, that was of interest to me inasmuch as the loan, if made,
will affect my country."

"Will you tell me what country you are from?"

"I am from Graustark."

"Yes; but I don't remember where that is."

"Is it possible that your American schools do not teach
geography? Ours tell us where the United States are located."

"I confess ignorance," he admitted.

"Then I shall insist that you study a map. Graustark is small,