Her face clouded for the first time.

“I have not dared to think of that,” she said.  “So long as we came in the special train, with none to molest or make me afraid—­afraid with that fear which a woman must always have—­we did well enough, as I have said; but now, here in the open, in public, before the eyes of all, who am I, and who are you to me?  I am not your mother?”

“Scarcely, at twenty three or four.”  He pursed a judicial lip.

“Nor your sister?”

“No.”

[Illustration:  The Mount Vernon]

“Nor your wife?”

“No.”  He flushed here, although he answered simply.

“Nor your assistant in any way?”

His face lighted suddenly.

“Why not?” said he.  “Can’t you be my amanuensis,—­that sort of thing, you see?  Come, we must think of this.  This is where my conscience hurts me—­I can’t bear to have my duty hurt you.  That, my dear Countess, cuts me to the quick.  You will believe that, won’t you?”

“Yes, I believe that.  Jeanne,” she motioned to her maid who stood apart all this time, “my wrap, please.  I find the air cool.  When the body is weak or worn, my dear sir, the mind is not at its best; and I shall need all my wits.”

“But you do not regard me as your enemy?”

“I am forced to do so.  Personally, I thank you; professionally, I must fight you.  Socially, I must be—­what did you say,—­your amanuensis?  So!  We are engaged in a great work, a treatise on our river fortifications, perhaps?  But since when did army officers afford the luxury of amanuenses in this simple republic?  Does your Vehmgerichte pay such extraordinary expenses?  Does your carte blanche run so far as that also?”

“You must not use such terms regarding the government of this country,” he protested.  “Our administration does not suit me, but it has pleased a majority of our people, else it would not be in power, and it is no Vehmgerichte, The law of self preservation obtains in this country as with all nations, even in Europe.  But we have planned no confiscation of your property, nor threatened any forfeiture of your life.”

“No, you have only taken away that which is dearer than anything else, that which your government guarantees to every human being in this country—­liberty!”

“And even that unconstitutional point shall remain such no longer than I can help, Madam.  Do not make our journey longer by leaving it more difficult.  God knows, I am beset enough even as it is now.  But be sure our Vehmgerichte, as you are pleased to call it, shall never, at least while I am its agent, condemn you to any situation unsuited to a gentlewoman.  A very high compliment has been paid you in holding you dangerous because of your personal charm.  It is true, Madam, that is why you were put out of Washington—­because you were dangerous.  They thought you could get the ear of any man—­make him divulge secrets which he ought to keep—­if you just asked him to do it—­for the sake of Josephine St. Auban!” He jerked out his sentences, as though habitual reticence and lack of acquaintance with women left it difficult for him to speak, even thus boldly.