"Is that a criticism of your superior officer?" Marmont demanded.
"That is never done in the Army," I answered.
"Which being the case let us take a drink," said Westlake, and led the
way to the café.
"Looks rather squally in Europe," Courtney observed, as the dice were
deciding the privilege of signing the check.
"It will blow over, I fancy," I answered.
"Have you seen the afternoon papers?"
"No."
"Then you don't know the Titian Ambassador has been recalled."
"Indeed! Well, I still doubt if it means fight."
Courtney stroked his grey imperial. "Getting rather near one, don't
you think?" he said.
"No closer than France and Turkey were only a short while ago," I
answered. "Moreover, in this case, the Powers would have a word to
say."
"Yes, they are rather ready to speak out on such occasions; but, unless
I'm much mistaken, if the Titians and the Valerians get their armies
moving it will take more than talk from the Powers to stop them."
"And it's all over a woman," I observed carelessly.
Courtney gave me a sharp glance. "I thought that was rather a secret,"
he replied.
I laughed. "It's one, at least, that the newspapers have not
discovered--yet. But, where did you get it?"
"From a friend; same as yourself," he said, with the suggestion of a
smile.
"My dear fellow," I said. "I know more about the Kingdom of Valeria
than--well, than your friend and all his assistants of the State
Department."
"I don't recall mentioning the State Department," Courtney replied.
"You didn't. I was honoring your friend by rating him among the
diplomats."
He ignored my thrust. "Ever been to Valeria?" he asked.