and continued to spend nine-tenths of his time in that isolated
corner of the smoking-room, with no other company than a long
glass and a siphon.

One day when Kirk had begun to feel that his acquaintance with
Mrs. Cortlandt was well established, he said to her:

"Stein told me to-day that your husband is in the diplomatic
service."

"Yes," said she. "He was Consul-General to Colombia several years
ago, and since then he has been to France and to Germany."

"I thought you were tourists--you have travelled so much."

"Most of our journeys have been made at the expense of the
Government."

"Are you diplomatting now?"

"In a way. We shall be in Panama for some time."

"This Stein seems to be a nice fellow. He's taken quite a liking
to me."

Mrs. Cortlandt laughed lightly. "That is part of his business."

"How so?"

"He is one of Colonel Jolson's secret agents."