 introduction and chapter one of the wife of the Secretary of State this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Rebecca Case the wife of the Secretary of State by Ella Middleton type out to my mother introduction the wife of the Secretary of State is constructed upon the possibilities of life in general and of the diplomatic world in particular it is not intended to portray any a special administration Ella Middleton type out chapter one it needs said the senator critically a trifle more red pepper but pray be careful added miss your depray anxiously a grain too much would be fatal ah gently very gently are you familiar enough with Washington to know the alibi club perhaps and walking down I street near 18th you have passed the little red brick house with its black iron railing and many pained windows without even glancing at the shining brass plate where the one word alibi speaks volumes to the initiated but then again perhaps you have penetrated through the narrow doorway into the grill rooms beyond perhaps you have been introduced to the army of chafing dishes which do such untiring and valiant nightly service during the season and have even tasted the contents of some of them if so you are very fortunate and further comment is unnecessary senator bird was giving a little supper after the theater and in accordance with the rules of the club he was cooking it himself his three guests were an air of pleased anticipation for his skill in the manipulation of the chafing dish made him an acknowledged authority even at the alibi where the bon vivants of Washington are want to assemble for nightly gastronomic contests senator bird was a leader of his party and his opinions were accorded due deference even by the opposition but no political crisis received closer attention from him than a Welsh rare bit which threatened to become stringy or a man is which showed a disposition to separate into unattractive oiling globules miss your to pray watch the descent of the red pepper breathlessly and gave vent to a sigh of relief as the crucial moment passed safely by the way he remarked addressing no one in particular did you observe miss Powell tonight she really should not wear green under the circumstances why not inquired mr. Rivers member of Congress from Virginia idly because of the old adage replied the little attache with a chuckle green is forsaken yellows for Lauren you remember it after her affair with Vaughn Wharton she should be careful of these little things miss your to pray enjoyed the reputation of being the most insatiable as well as the most harmless gossip in Washington it was also endowed with an inordinate curiosity indeed his acquaintances regarded him as a walking interrogation point and were want to assert that his mustache curled upward solely to investigate the shape of his nose while that appendage in turn was continually striving to ascertain the color of his eyes was Vaughn Wharton's engagement really such a blow to miss Powell asked Mr. Rivers curiously oh my dear fellow return the Frenchman eagerly did you not know the poor lady she had every reason to hope he sought her constantly bonbons roses and all the delicate environments of an affair to cure were hers for many weeks she herself bloomed like a flower grew young again yes positively girlish then suddenly what happened Mrs. Irving announced the engagement of her daughter to Baron Vaughn Wharton of the German Embassy conceived the shock very shabby in Vaughn Wharton said Mr. Rivers laughing and then continued Miss your to pray pathetically the flower drooped the girl grew all at once old and ugly is it not pitiful I have watched her closely most respectfully of course but closely day by day she has faded until upon my word interrupted senator bird I feel as though I had attended her obsequies will she be a second Elaine de Pré and go floating down the Potomac some fine day as I said continued Mr. de Pré volubly I watched her fade until at last I saw a subtle change she revived she lived once more by a never failing sign she now demonstrates her intention to cast aside the willow she again powders her nose senator bird turn to the man on his right as the laugh which followed Mr. de Pré's last mark died away Count Vladimir he said courteously I hope you like Terrapin these are especially fine diamond backs and I particularly plumb myself upon my recipe for cooking them they are distinctively American food I believe therefore I have asked my friends from other countries to eat them I was fortunate to secure you at such short notice the good fortune is wholly mine replied the Count politely although he had but lately joined the Russian Embassy Count Vladimir was already a popular member of the diplomatic corps and greatly in demand at all social functions more than one damsel was known to watch ballroom doorways anxiously until he appeared and he was pronounced so polished my dear so fascinatingly indifferent and so irresistibly handsome don't you know Count Vladimir's polish suggested the flash of steel to his associates in the world of diplomacy and his handsome face did not disguise the fact that his eyes set very close together were stone gray in color and curiously keen and cold in expression it was well known by the initiated that when an international crisis appeared inevitable his duty generally called him to the seat of the trouble and detained him there until matters adjusted themselves therefore his sudden appearance in Washington was regarded as worthy of comment I exclaimed Monsieur de Pré as he tasted the Terrapin is it not a dream a poem confess Count Vladimir you have nothing in your country which compares with it in many ways said Count Vladimir slowly Russia cannot aspire to compete with America in its women for example you are complimentary count said Senator Byrd quietly as a nation we should feel flattered Monsieur de Pré raised his glass to the American girl in general he cried enthusiastically but especially to the most charming woman in Washington Mrs. Redmond gentlemen Mrs. Redmond to Mrs. Redmond repeated Count Vladimir as they responded to the toast by all means to Mrs. Redmond the wife of the Secretary of State he drained his glass absently and replaced it upon the edge of the table where it balanced for a moment and fell to the floor a thousand pardons he exclaimed contritely I am stupid tonight I fear it is broken it perished in a good cause said Mr. Rivers lightly I was more than half disposed to send mine after it yes did it not said Monsieur de Pré I too had the same inclination all women are of course attractive in some way some one feature for instance but Mrs. Redmond is so all together lovely he paused in doubt for the proper word and waved his empty glass comprehensively and even greater air of festivity than usual prevailed in the grill rooms jolly little parties of three and four filled the tables and tried their skill in cooking as they matched stories laughter was genuine and spontaneous for which sparkled as brightly as a champagne and the stories were as highly seasoned as the food whatever sensations one might experience at the alibi one was rarely bored the quick trot of a horse and the sound of swiftly rolling wheels became audible above the general hum of conversation her sudden cessation and the hasty slam of a carriage door announced the arrival of a belated guest yes said Mr. Rivers discursively almost everyone comes here sooner or later over there in the corner making Welsh rare bit is judge Tucker of the Supreme Court that little man cooking lobster a la Newburgh is the editor of the Washington Post that is the speaker of the House dispensing mushrooms and and interrupted Mr. de Pré suddenly here comes the Secretary of State Senator Bird exchanged a quick glance with Mr. Rivers the Secretary did not as a rule frequent the alibi moreover as they both knew he had been engaged to dine at the White House that evening and it was his invariable custom to go directly home from all dinners no matter how early their conclusion and the night had now grown very old indeed as I was saying resumed Mr. Rivers addressing Count Vladimir everyone drifts in here at one time or another yes said the Russian politely the Secretary of State stood in the doorway and glanced anxiously about the room his tall spare figure had a commanding air in spite of the droop of his shoulders which proclaimed the scholar rather than the politician while his long slender hands betrayed his peculiarly nervous organization they were very restless hands continually busy over something even though it were only tearing bits of paper into strips or full increases in his handkerchief just now however they were so tightly clenched that the knuckles looked white and prominent and the veins stood out like purple cords Senator Bird laid down his fork if you will excuse me he remarked hastily I will go and speak to the Secretary perhaps I can induce him to join us he threaded his way across the room and the three men watched him silently they observed the Secretary's relieved start and his quick remark evidently an interrogation also Senator Bird's emphatic reply apparently in the negative and then they saw the Secretary speak earnestly for a moment and withdraw a sudden quiet had descended upon the alibi here and there parties were dispersing leaving empty tables with their usual unattractive debris in place of the glitter of plates and glass and the cheerful murmur of voices of an hour previous Mr. Dupre looked at his watch so late he exclaimed in astonishment I too must be going he glanced expectantly account Vladimir who also expressed surprise at the hour and a Senator Bird returned the two attaches rose and in spite of his protestations took their leave Mr. Rivers was about to join them but delayed a moment in response to a slight touch upon his shoulder the Secretary is outside in his carriage said Senator Bird quickly he wishes us to go home with him there is something wrong at the department the Secretary's coachman complied willingly with the brief command home drive quickly and deposited his passengers beneath the Porta Cachore of a handsome stone house in short order Secretary Redmond led the way at once to the library where the fire still glowed red inviting well carefully shaded lamps cast a soft light very pleasing to the eye gentlemen he said abruptly as he closed the door the roost chook papers have been stolen let us discuss the matter in all its bearings suggested Senator Bird breaking the long pause which succeeded the Secretary's announcement there may be some mistake there is no mistake return Mr. Redmond positively yesterday I took them to the White House and went over the matter with the President you were both present at the interview Mr. Rivers nodded well he said interrogatively today a cabinet meeting resumed the Secretary the subject came up again and I made an appointment with the President for tomorrow I was to take over the papers once more also the plans for the outer events of the New York Harbor I borrowed the ladder from the Secretary of War he sent them to my office by a messenger and my private secretary received and receded for them they were given in great detail tonight I dined at the White House informally and the President again referred to the matter it is of course uppermost in his mind just now I volunteered to get all the papers from the department without waiting for tomorrow the safe was locked as usual also my desk the papers were gone some were outside a man whistled shrilly and a dog responded with a quick yelp of recognition when I found them gone resumed the Secretary slowly I remember that you had called Bird while I was absent this afternoon I thought you might have borrowed them it was not probable of course but it was possible not even possible interrupted Senator Bird so I followed you to the alibi continued the Secretary the importance of the matter is my excuse an international upheaval is imminent France England and Russia are vitally interested in our policy a representative of each of those countries has called at the department today on one pretext or another the Secretary paused and moistened his lips his fingers tapped the arm of his chair uneasily you have the facts of the case he said weirdly the Russia papers are missing and with them the plan of defense of our principal seaport an hour later the senator and member of Congress stood on the street corner and exchanged a few words before they separated over the city hung the mantle of intense silence which descends about three o'clock and remains until the break of day the moon was setting shining red and crooked through the frog a piece lacking from one side proclaiming it was on the wane it appeared somewhat as though the moon had made a night of it and would better retire as speedily as possible Mr. Rivers shivered and turned up his coat collar for the wind was cold and penetrating it looks he remarked as he lighted his cigar uncommonly black for the private secretary I do not agree with you returned Senator Bird thoughtfully but then one never knows good night and the two men walked quickly away in opposite directions the secretary of state leaned his head against the back of his chair and closed his eyes his face was gray with fatigue and the lines about his mouth pronounced and accentuated he was undoubtedly very tired so tired he did not hear the handle of the door turned softly as though in response to a light touch nor did he see it swing noiselessly open and a figure paws upon the threshold a woman she stood uncertainly for a moment one hand upon the knob of the door while the other held together a white dressing gown who soft clinging folds emphasized rather than concealed a form which would have given a sculptor keen delight her thick dark hair simply braided for the night hung far below her waist while little trendles curled loosely about her ears and across her forehead her eyes possessed the rare quality of changing with her moods just now they were widely opened under their black lashes and deeply purple like the lustrous heart of a pansy and her breath came quickly between softly parted red lips a woman to remember she crossed the room swiftly her slippered feet making no sound upon the thick rug and put her hand temptively upon the secretary's forehead a still he exclaimed suddenly opening his eyes you hear oh she returned with a little laugh which was half a sob i couldn't help coming john i thought something dreadful had happened what could happen to me here in my own house i don't know she replied slowly when reads of terrible things i lay there listening for your footsteps and imagining i might never hear it again until it last why you are cold and trembling a still interrupted the secretary drawing her closer this will never do i was detained by business dear a troublesome matter at the department mrs redmond knelt on the tiger's skin rug and held her pink tinted palms towards the fire i hate business she said petulantly and i hate the old department too it takes you away for me and i am jealous of it the secretary smiled and passed his hand caressingly over her hair you are losing your beauty sleep my dear he remarked fondly tomorrow you will be pale and languid and it will be my fault mrs redmond settled herself into a comfortable bunch upon the rug and leaned her head against her husband's knee the flowing sleeve of her gown fell back displaying her white rounded arm with a delicate tracery of blue veins and the secretary stooped and pressed his lips against it truly miss urge prey was correct in his statement mrs redmond was all together lovely i'm going to bask in the firelight she said quietly while you tell me about your bothersome business i'd like to share your thoughts you know even if they are not pleasant tell me about it dear so he told her the story of the lost papers and she listened silently giving the hand she held an occasional sympathetic pressure and following his words closely and the secretary felt vaguely reassured the matter seemed much less serious and imperative considered with his young wife's head against his knee and her two soft warm hands holding his closely then it did when he followed senator bird to the alibi so the worn look gradually faded from his face and a new light shown in his eyes as i sat for some minutes in that unbroken and blissful silence only possible to kindred spirits after a while mrs redmond stirred a little we are very happy john aren't we she said dreamily happy in each other dear he responded gently happy in each other she repeated softly and after all does anything else matter the fire had grown gray and ashy and she shivered slightly i love these unexpected little talks we have now and then she said brightly they seem like stolen pleasures somehow but you are so tired tonight poor dear put out the lights and go to bed it must be almost morning you must hold my hand though for i am afraid of the dark tonight and of several other things so hold it very tightly john end of chapter one chapter two of the wife of the secretary of state this is a libra vox recording all libra vox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit libra vox.org recording by rebecca case the wife of the secretary of state by elah middleton type out chapter two although the dissipated moon had sunk low in the heavens it was not too far gone to keep an eye upon the affairs of earth the moon cherished a belief the result of many centuries of observation that mankind was very similar the world over but it liked to keep watch nevertheless consequently it pursued count ladmir as he parted from monsieur dupré at the door of the alibi and hailed a passing handsome and when he drove swiftly away it still followed curiously the petomic shimmered and glittered as the moon looked at it and the virginia hills rose dark and indistinct against the horizon under the long bridge however the river crawled black and sullen washing against its supports with a steady cold persistence on one side of the bridge lay washington with its stately buildings and broad avenues washington the seat of government the nucleus of law and order on the other lay jackson city with its squalid hovels and muddy road jackson city the seat of wickedness the germ of lawlessness and disorder between the two flowed the petomic and the bridge connected them it was late even for jackson city and in one of the small gambling saloons only the proprietor and a solitary guest remained the host was frankly and tearfully drunk the visitor was coldly and disgustingly sober now attend he said sharply bringing out his words with a stinging emphasis not unlike the snap of a whip i'm a poor man wine at the proprietor clutching a pile of dirty notes and coins which lay upon the table a very poor man i work for my living the hand which snatched at the money was long and shapely it had once been well cared for too and even now shaking and grimy as it was suggested the hand of a gentleman the face and figure were those of a man growled old in dissipation and poisoned with the dredges of life a man sunk to the level of his surroundings yet at times an indefinable air of birth and breeding asserted itself and demanded recognition as though to illustrate what nature had intended to create before man interfered and spoiled her handiwork and i am here to give you money said the guest imperturbably i see you were not too drunk to understand that do you know me yes said the other raising his head suddenly yes count vladmir i know you well and i also returned count vladmir whose identity had thus far been ingeniously veiled have the pleasure of knowing you intimately colonel albert st john the coins rattled in the trembling hand and one or two felt unnoticed to the floor you are not without fame colonel resumed count vladmir politely his eyes contracting strangely the police of several countries would be glad to be informed of your whereabouts it was quite a coincidence that you should have been standing in your doorway the day i chanced to ride by my memory for faces is excellent and i am accustomed to meeting people in unexpected places therefore i recognized you at once an inarticulate snarl was the only reply in germany continued count vladmir holding up his hand and checking the different countries on his fingers in france and in england you are anxiously expected also in russia the partly sobered man endeavored to collect himself what do you want he asked with a sort of grim courage you did not come here tonight to warn me that you meant to inform upon me count vladmir glanced about the dingy room with an array of unwashed glasses and dirty floor and shrugged his shoulders expressively the last time i had the pleasure of talking with you was in berlin he said reflectively the saloon was undoubtedly larger and the lights perhaps more brilliant also your dress was then immaculate but your occupation was much the same i presume you have as usual neglected the formality of a license i raised chickens interrupted the other hurriedly a license is not required just so said count vladmir suavely you raised chickens of course a strange occupation for colonel albert st john is it not colonel st john collapsed suddenly into his chair his few minutes of sobriety vanished and his chin quivering miserably i'm a poor man he repeated his voice returning to its habitual wine a very poor man i must live a lamp flickered and went out the air was fetid with kerosene and stale tobacco and heat radiated visibly from the air tight stove now red hot at its base living arrangements in jackson city were strangely primitive considering its location count vladmir flung open the door and raised the window regardless of a faint protest from his companion bah he exclaimed no wonder you are stupid it is the atmosphere now listen colonel st john he paused suddenly by the way he resumed slowly in which army do you hold your commission you used to serve the country that paid the highest price and served it well too my compliments to you colonel you are at times invaluable to me and i rejoice to have discovered your retreat although i still believe you the greatest rascal unhung it is a pity you should have descended to this that unfortunate contra temps at berlin was the beginning of your ill luck was it not you lived in a good deal of luxury there i remember you and your daughter the chill air from the river came in the window and ruffled the gray hair of the sodden heap of humanity huddled in the chair beside the table what do you want me to do he said dolly passing his hand across his brow you must speak plainly for my head is heavy tonight but count vladmir did not reply at once he waited until the cold night wind had done its work more effectually colonel st john he said at last leaning forward and speaking very slowly where is your daughter the old man made a gesture as though he would ward off a blow you don't like to speak of her well one can hardly wonder you decamped in the night from paris i believe leaving her alone and without money it was a most fatherly act also she was to bear the consequences when the police arrived what became of her how should i know returned the other sullenly how should i know true agreed count vladmir politely how should you it may however interest you to learn that lindhurst is in town in washington even so he is attached to the british embassy and has just arrived i fancy he still remembers men of his type do not easily forget young hurtford was his cousin he paid his debts and sent his body home to his mother it was lindhurst who hunted you down at paris she did it muttered this model father it was her work not mine let him look for her and who taught her the trade she followed who forced her to use her youth and beauty to decoy men to your house that you might fleece them who encouraged her to lure them on to love her and perhaps confide in her while she in turn betrayed their confidence to you no doubt she was an apt pupil but who instilled the rudiments of treachery and deceit into her mind before she could speak plainly a clock in the next room struck three rattling out the time like a series of small explosions i must reluctantly tear myself away he continued regretfully your secret as well as your existence is safe with me kernel saint john not even lindhurst shall suspect it as long as you perform an occasional trifling service for me for which you will be well paid now attend carefully to what i say he spoke slowly and emphatically for some minutes while the old man listened with a strained intentness painful to witness i am not what i once was he interrupted at last deprecatingly my hand shakes i cannot trust it and my nerve fails me when i least expect it count vladmir made an imperative gesture commanding silence and proceeded with his instructions now understand he concluded sternly i hold your safety perhaps your life in my keeping you pay a heavy penalty for failure therefore be careful i understand repeated the other mechanically then i will not detain you further i shall return before very long it is almost time to feed your chickens kernel good night or rather good morning entering the waiting handsome he drove rapidly away towards washington without a backward glance the old man stood in the door and watched the retreating vehicle which looks strangely black and misshapen in the uncertain light as the echo of the quick trot upon the bridge grew less distinct he clenched his hand tightly and raising his trembling fist shook it in the empty air returning to the house he closed the window and sinking into a chair succumbed to the physical collapse inevitable to a man of his type after strong mental excitement his head fell forward on his breast and he breathed heavily his brow moist and clammy with beads of cold perspiration standing out upon it a delicious sense of oblivion enveloped him and his body surged forward dangerously colonel st john was asleep a sleep with his gray head upon the notched and rickety table and with the little heap of ill gained money forgotten and unnoticed suddenly his face softened and a singularly sweet smile changed its whole expression my dear he said in a full cultivated voice stretching out his hand appealingly you look remarkably well tonight that gown suits you to perfection colonel st john was dreaming count flat mirror dismissed his handsome and inserted his latchkey in the door of his apartment he was thoroughly chilled by his drive across the potomic and the site of an armchair by the grate where the cold still glowed was not unattractive a table with an easy reach held matches and cigars also a decanter and a small glass his valet knew his business thoroughly and had been with him a long time rapidly getting into smoking jacket and slippers he sank luxuriously into the depths of the chair selected a cigar and proceeded to carefully review the events of the past few hours the fire glowed and faded the moon disappeared entirely and the wheels of enterprising milk carts rattled loudly in the street below before he rose and stretched himself weirdly a good night's work he remarked yawning filling the slender stemmed glass he held it critically towards the light to mrs redmond he exclaimed as he put it to his lips to mrs redmond the wife of the secretary of state a slight crash followed and the fragments of the little glass mingled with the ashes on the hearth end of chapter two chapter three of the wife of the secretary of state this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by robin classon the wife of the secretary of state by Ella Middleton Taibaut chapter three when David Lee secured an appointment under the government he believed himself very fortunate it really seemed providential that the private secretary to the secretary of state should reside just at the conclusion of the trip abroad which had followed his graduation at Yale and while he was still uncertain whether fate intended him to become a bright and shining light in the literary world or remain an obscure reporter on a new york daily secretly he inclined to the former belief for twenty five is a somewhat egotistical age even with the best of us moreover he was decidedly elated at securing his present position it had all been so easy i can get the billet for you if you want it his uncle had remarked and i advise you to take it such places are good stepping stones to better things they don't go begging so you would better grab while the bag is open and he had grabbed eagerly the selection of a place to live had been rather difficult and it was a month after he had entered upon his duties in the department before he could summon courage to apply for admittance to the select and exclusive boarding house to which he had been recommended i am the widow of a southern gentleman mr. lee who lost his all in the civil war said the imposing personage who presented herself in response to his request for the lady of the house and i do take a few paying guests i always require to know something of their antecedents however but of course your connections with the state department is sufficient credential so i will make an exception in your favor and waive further reference david thought himself uncommonly lucky and thanked her profusely as he clinched the bargain quite unconscious that the lady herself was equally anxious to come to an agreement i have let the north room at last marry she remarked to her maid and for my own price too well responded mary who appeared to be a depressing companion i wish him joy of his bargain ma'am he'll freeze in winter and roast in summer not to mention having to light the gas every morning when he dresses he won't stay long and i wouldn't either if i could get what was owned me so there mrs. colson it's very unkind in you to speak so mary returned mrs. colson immediately dissolved into tears my father owned a hundred slaves and i never even tied my own shoestring until i came to washington the necessity of tying her shoes herself always weighed very heavily upon mrs. colson when placed in an awkward position her house was large and conveniently situated and therefore generally well-filled with the usual preponderance of idigent widows and spinsters of uncertain age david found himself the object of close scrutiny as he took his seat at the breakfast table and felt rather embarrassed in consequence he had not yet learned that the advent of a young man is an occasion of breathless interest in the average boarding house mrs. colson received him with a welcoming smile and at once introduced everyone within earshot adding items of interest concerning them in parentheses after each name miss jackson mr. lee a cousin of stonewall jackson miss madison a connection of dolly madison and named for her mr. ray burn one of our first families and head of a division in the agricultural department mrs. rowan niece of james minn row and born in the white house miss gray mr. lee and miss christine gray are newest guests except for yourself mr. marx our scientists connected with the smithsonian mrs. colson paused for breath and looked about the room mr. lee himself she remarked launching her beast de resistance is the private secretary of the secretary of state david made a series of bows as the names were mentioned and finally subsided into his chair feeling flushed and uncomfortable will you kindly pass the salt said the cousin of stonewall jackson who sat at his right i'll thank you for the pepper murmur the white house baby it is left david salted and peppered the ladies and ventured to look about him he found himself being calmly considered by two large brown eyes the property of miss christine gray his vv he was relieved to find her young and glad that she was pretty she was very pretty indeed was miss christine with the charm of youth and the brilliant coloring which suggests fresh air and plenty of it mr. marx sat beside her and struggled bravely to be entertaining but small talk was not his strong point deep down within his scientific heart something had recently stirred which both annoyed and surprised him but he responded to its dictates and endeavored to be chatty and agreeable have you ever happened to calculate the percentage of mosquitoes which have never tasted blood he inquired by way of setting the ball rolling as he slowly stirred his coffee no return christine her dimple suddenly in evidence but i expect you could tell me the exact number mr. marx entirely forgot to reply as he pondered over her words he was often dimly aware that her most innocent remarks admitted of two constructions and that his fellow boarders frequently showed a disposition become hilarious when he himself failed to detect the joke christine now applied herself to her breakfast and relapsed into silence evidently thought mr. marx mosquitoes did not interest her he would try again have you ever considered he remarked casually how much better it would be if the human race existed upon one sort of food only this multiplicity of vions is bad for the stomach mr. marx frequently referred to that portion of his anatomy and all was with great respect i don't think i would like it at all replied christine promptly one kind of food served constantly would become absolutely hateful mr. marx again cogitated for some minutes he wished to prove his quickness at repartee and took advantage of a general lull in the conversation to do so does butter he demanded and sepulchral tones and christine meeting an irrepressible twinkle in david's eye laughed outright and precipitately left the table a few minutes later david encountered her in the hall her hands full of letters and papers which she scanned anxiously and impatiently flung upon the table it has not come molly she said to her sister there is something for everyone in the house except ourselves and yet he promised you didn't he never mind christine said miss gray gently he may have forgotten congressman are so busy you know the two girls went on upstairs and david emerged from the house simultaneously with the connection of stonewall jackson and the white house baby both ladies carried brown paper packages three by four inches in size each containing two sandwiches and a slice of cake force of circumstances obliged them to spend their days within the restricting walls of the treasury department and naturally robust appetites clamored for satisfaction as the noon hour approached but their aristocratic lineage demanded that such bodily nourishment be gentilly compressed into the smallest space possible miss jackson drew the ends of her thick veil together and sighed depressingly it's a lovely morning isn't it ventured david as the trio walked briskly down the street is it she responded from the depths of the veil i'm sure i had not noticed when one spends one's days bending over desk one does not care whether the sun shines or not david had a guilty feeling that he should not have introduced the subject of the weather and digress to a safer topic what a beautiful city washington is he remarked him personally as they crossed lafayette park i see nothing beautiful in it responded the white house baby looking with contemptuous eyes at the place of her birth i count money all day long in the basement of the treasury and dream again of counting it at night that's all washington represents to me to be herded into a badly ventilated room with people absolutely indifferent to the prerogatives of a lady why if you'll believe me mr lee the men in those offices don't even think of rising when i enter the room and i am actually allowed to pick up my own hanker chief and put on my overshoes unassisted such things were unheard of before the war she paused a moment then added in a faint mincing voice and i was born in the white house david murmured an apology for the delinquencies of his sex and felt decidedly uncomfortable it jars upon one sensibilities observe miss jackson taking up the refrain in a minor chord as she picked her way daintily across the street to be brought into such close daily contact with ones inferiors one cannot touch pitch and remain undefiled and i feel i owe to the united states government a marked deterioration of a naturally fine character a coarsening as it were of the delicate and sensitive fibers so essential to the happiness of our sex we well-born women are merely sensitive plants mr. lee we shrivel and contract in an uncongenial atmosphere or at a careless touch it occurred to david as he raised his hat and parted from the sensitive plants that they also owed to the united states government the roof which sheltered them not to mention food and raiment he had yet to learn that they were merely a type to be found in almost every boarding house and department in washington and by no means represented the army of women who work quietly and conscientiously to whom they were in in esteemable disadvantage it was customary for the secretary to reach his office about ten o'clock therefore when david was informed that he had already arrived and wished to see mr. lee as soon as the latter appeared he obeyed the summons with astonishment mr. redmond sat before his desk in his private office a wood fire snapped and blazed cheerfully behind the brass wire screen its dancing light reflected on the dark polish wood of the handsome mantel the wintry sun shown with all the vigor it possessed through the large south windows which overlooked the wide expanse known as the mall with the potomac winding at sluggish way towards the ocean and the hills of old virginia standing an irregular array against the horizon the view from his office windows was a constant source of pleasure to the secretary but today he had not even glanced at the washington monument the matchless symmetry and dignified simplicity of whose shaft gratified his artistic tendencies mr. lee he said abruptly as david appeared omitting the usual morning salutation i want the roostchook papers where are they david hesitated perceptibly i left them in your desk sir he replied slowly under the bronze weight and the left hand drawer with the other confidential papers the secretary was nervously bending a paper knife between his fingers and david watched it mechanically mr. lee he continued bringing out his words with an obvious effort you are the custodian of correspondence coming into your possession especially in my absence this matter is of grave importance the papers are gone as well as the plan of new york harbor i believe them to have been stolen the war department has your signed receipt for the plan of defense i borrowed i myself handed you the other papers to read the responsibility would seem to rest with you a messenger entered the room replenish the fire and retired quietly david watched with apparent interest the shower of sparks which ensued before the fresh log blazed up brightly amid the charred fragments of its predecessors the responsibility repeated the secretary quietly rest with you a dead silence followed as david gradually grasped the situation in the corridor without the sound of passing feet could be heard an occasional careless laugh penetrated through the closed door a ray of sunshine fell directly upon the large glass ink stand compelling the eye to involuntarily focus upon it and be dazzled in consequence and the click of a typewriter in an adjoining room was distinctly audible david mechanically noted these details as he watched the paper knife bend double in the secretary's hands it snapped suddenly and the tension relaxed somewhat mr. redmond leaned back in his chair and looked keenly at his private secretary he saw a man tall broad-shouldered and well set up after the manner of college athletes young almost boyish in appearance with no apparent realization of the serious aspect of the position and his eyebrows met in a heavy frown of disapproval but he looked again at the firm outline of the face before him with his clean-cut mouth and square chin he noted the clear blue eyes candid yet vaguely troubled which met his searching gaze unflinchingly and their secretary looked at third time and changed his firmly grounded opinion he believed himself a judge of character have you any theory is to the disappearance of the papers inquired deliberately not yet returned david quietly the squareness of his lower jaw suddenly accentuated but i shall have in time the secretary rose and walked slowly up and down the room in silence with his hands clasped behind his back and his fingers tightly interlaced suddenly he paused and laid his hand upon the younger man's shoulder mr. lee he said with an entire change of manner i am much troubled about this matter and no doubt i seem irritable and unjust but i trust you will be patient i must go to the bottom of it myself of course but i need your help my grasp on things is not what it once was and it is a penalty we all pay to advancing years the secretary paused and looked anxiously into the blue eyes on a level with his own you will help me i'm sure he said gently i may depend on you may i not i will do my best said david gravely end of chapter three recording by robin classon chapter four of the wife of the secretary of state this is a libra vox recording all libra vox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit libra vox.org recording by rebecca case the wife of the secretary of state by ellen middleton typout chapter four christine gray dressed for the street stood in mrs. colson's third story back meditating deeply her white forehead was drawn into an anxious furrow as she surveyed herself in the little mirror but she finally breathed a relieved sigh the result was satisfactory christine had resolved upon decisive and independent action and felt that much might depend upon creating a favorable impression in the beginning she had observed that the impressions that she created were apt to be favorable but notwithstanding this fact she continued to pay great attention to details a bunch of violets floated on the top of the water picture vases being unavailable and mrs. colson's except in the parlor and she critically tried their effect against her black coat they looked extremely well on the whole observed christine regretfully returning them to the water picture on the whole i think it would be better not to wear them he might draw conclusions which would not be to my advantage she drew a long breath as she set out for the street and felt very important and with all a bit frightened as she hailed a passing car and started for the capital christine was about to make her first attempt at lobbying and was not at all certain how to go about it she had of course been to the senate and house when sightseeing but they had failed to impress her upon that occasion with the sense of awe they inspired today the magnitude of any object animate or inanimate depends largely upon the point of view from which one regards it and the reason one has for approaching it no doubt we have all seen molehills develop into mountains and shirt climbing them in consequence christine disliked the way the watchman looked at her as she entered the rotunda he was quite innocent of any ulterior meaning but she immediately felt he knew why she was there and that his glance was compassionate and superior she inquired her way to the house in as haughty a manner as she could command hoping thereby to crush him and establish her social status beyond all question she accosted the doorkeeper of the public gallery a little timidly could he tell her whether mr rivers of virginia was there he could the gentleman was then upon the floor of the house should he take her card christine inwardly quaking produced her bit of pasteboard and followed the guide summoned to conduct her to the marble room one is inclined to wonder sometimes how many women have waited there in years past and what tales of good and evil the dignified walls could repeat if they felt so inclined and to wonder also how many will wait there in years to come and what secrets will be entrusted to the polished stone perhaps they will be more innocent than many of those now inscribed and the hearts they reflect more guileless and unsullied than some reflected in the past mr rivers of virginia entered hastily he was obviously annoyed as he looked from the card in his hand at the different women assembled there and said something to the watchman who shook his head helplessly speculating inwardly why he should be supposed to know one woman from another by intuition christine rose nervously and stepped forward mr rivers she said interrogatively miss gray he returned with similar intonation and a pause ensued i sent a reply to your letter this morning he resumed briskly you would have received it this afternoon had you waited no said christine quietly i should not for i have not written to you mr rivers was surprised and consequently took his first look at his visitor he took a second and longer observation immediately you see said christine plunging desperately into her subject as one swallows a bad dose quickly to have it over with you see your letter was for my sister and she she asked an appointment under the government said mr rivers quite so i have many such letters however i wrote her this morning i hope to be able to secure something for her before very long in consideration of my past obligations to your father i put her claim before many others yes said christine incoherently that's just what i came about please don't give it to her what exclaimed mr rivers such requests being somewhat new to him at least she continued i don't mean just that won't you give it to me instead it can't make any difference to you and it does make a great deal of difference to me just use my name instead of hers my dear miss gray he ejaculated oh dear side christine mournfully now i've got all mixed up and you don't understand a bit you see it's this way mary don't want to go into office you know she's a trained nurse and adores bandages in chloroform and all those things i hate christine paused for breath and mr rivers smiled indulgently the annoyed expression had vanished also the curt hurried intonation of his voice and so resumed christine if you give it to me mary can go to her bandages and her disinfectants with a clear conscience do you think you would like office life inquired mr rivers curiously you do not impress me as one who would take very kindly to the monotony and confinement it entails oh i shan't mind return the girl absently adding in a voice she strove to make careless but in which the tone of keen anxiety was dominant then you will give it to me there is a trifling impediment said mr rivers slowly the examination you know but i took it when mary did cried christine much relieved i thought i told you and i passed too not so well as she did of course but i still passed you say your sister really prefers nursing inquired mr rivers visibly wavering yes said christine eagerly she does indeed and i do so want to be independent miss gray said mr river solemnly you bring very powerful influence to bear to gain your point the pressure has proved too much for me i brought no one said christine indignantly i am quite alone yes said mr rivers laughingly i see you are your strength does not lie in numbers miss gray if you can make my peace with your sister you may regard the matter as settled so far as i'm concerned i ought to thank you i suppose said christine but i don't quite know what to say i wish said mr rivers gravely that i was offering you something better the war department at sixty dollars a month is not much to be thankful for miss gray it is just that much better than nothing mr rivers your appointment will be sent immediately he remarked as he shook her hand cordially i shall be interested to hear how you get on if you have any trouble let me know my obligations to your father miss gray mr rivers paused abruptly guiltily aware that the sight of the daughter had increased these obligations surprisingly and proposed that he should furnish her with a card of admission to the private gallery of the house christine felt as though she were walking on air as she went down the steps of the capital the interview so long meditated and privately much dreaded had proved not unpleasant after all it is much better she remarked aloud to see persons than to write to them i always told mary that a long legged youth with a twinkle in his gray eyes fell into step beside her and gravely removed his hat poor mary he said sadly i feel for her she has told so many things it certainly would be a pleasant change to go somewhere and not have you suddenly appear remarked christine with some disparity well said the boy seriously you'll have that pleasure soon i think christine i've been notified that i passed the examination so i'm sure of my commission at last i don't know yet what regiment i'm assigned to but i hope for the cavalry of course there's no telling where i may be sent but i will know shortly oh harry she said breathlessly not really really and truly christine the girl paused on the lower step and laid an appealing hand upon his arm quite regardless of the people in the street below harry she said gently i didn't mean it you know about not wanting to see you of course i was joking you understand don't you and probably harry understood for he pressed a little hand gratefully and suggested that they go into the congressional library and talk things over quietly an hour later two self-conscious but important looking young people emerged from the library and walked slowly down the street i don't like it you know he said positively the idea of you in an office but just as soon as i can get on my feet a little i'm coming back for you oh harry she said with a little gasp it does seem ridiculous to think that it's you and me doesn't it don't let's take the car yet he suggested as she paused on the corner we have so much to talk about and so little time to talk when you come back harry she remarked as they strolled slowly on i shall be quite a stayed old office person like miss jackson for instance christine he exclaimed suddenly suppose we don't wait of course i haven't much money and don't know where i am going but we could manage somehow almost anywhere come with me christine the girl shook her head gravely no harry she said it wouldn't be right you know we settled all that in the library you have to buy your uniforms and things and they do cost such a lot i think it's very mean to give second lieutenants such little salaries i'm sure it's a very important position for a man to occupy and he ought to be paid accordingly and undoubtedly all second lieutenants would hardly endorse this opinion but she continued brightly the time will soon pass for we will both be busy and then when you feel it's right for you to do it really right harry why you can tell me so and when you come back well christine a mist formed before her eyes and obscured surrounding objects but she brushed it aside impatiently why then she replied with a little break in her voice you will find me ready for my marching orders general fielding and the paradise especially prepared for the young and hopeful opened its gates before them plainly visible and apparently easy of access we have all looked at the western sky when the sun was setting and we have seen its scarlet and gold merge into the purple horizon and the gray leaden clouds change suddenly into a canopy of glory and we have thought because we could not help it about another world whose streets are golden and its gates precious jewels it seems very near that other world we can almost reach the portal which will open at the touch of a finger and involuntarily we stretch out our hands and then we realize the distance the light begins to fade and we look down at the plowed fields and muddy ways we must cross and feel discouraged for we know beyond all doubt we will be tired when we get there too tired to care very much about anything we know also that the gates are not jewels after all but iron and tightly locked and we fear our hands are not quite strong enough to turn the key we are sure of this because the sun has set and we are no longer blinded by its radiance but the boy and girl whose combined summers numbered little more than 40 looked across the expanse of intervening time at their goal illumined until it shown distinct and beautiful against its misty background of uncertainty they did not think of the time which might elapse before they achieved it nor did they realize that this time must be lived day by day hour by hour and that life is sometimes difficult and always perplexing they saw their paradise clearly its way lay straight before them and they entertained no doubts of reaching it at last why indeed should they end of chapter four chapter five of the wife of the secretary of state this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Rebecca Case the wife of the secretary of state by Ella Middleton Taibaut chapter five the secretary of state and mrs. Redmond stood at the door of the ballroom to receive their guests without a fine white mist fell steadily the street was wet and slippery with the light of many carriage lamps reflected on its shining asphalt and coachmen swore roundly as they huddled on their boxes sullen lumps of misery while across the park and down the wide avenue the east wind hurried breathlessly within Persian rugs and rich hangings glowed in the radiance of many lights the air was moist and warm and heavy with the scent of roses while up the wide staircase and through the spacious rooms searched the endless stream of humanity one always sees the people one wants to see at mrs. Redmond's don't you know remarked a gilded youth of washington when asked why he never allowed a previous engagement to interfere with his acceptance of her invitations and his argument was admitted as sound the secretary was tired for what seemed to him an interminable period he had been exchanging polite inanities with one person after another fat women melted into thin women gray haired men replaced callow youths statesmen stepped upon the skirts of debutants diplomats followed one another in quick succession and still they came the secretary wondered vaguely whether he looked as bored as the man who announced the guests and felt a sympathy for him the chinese minister and mrs cheng shouted that factotum and the little lady tottered along on her useless stumps of feet in the wake of her burly lord and master a round spot of bright red paint on either cheek and a large yellow chrysanthemum over each ear mrs cheng in her gorgeous oriental dress and speaking her pretty broken english was a welcome addition to all social functions mrs dupray had arrived in good season and now stood where he could command a view of his hostess unobserved by her it was mrs dupray's theory that when any one of his senses was pleasantly affected it should be gratified as often as possible therefore he meant on this occasion to indulge his eyes whenever practicable does she not surpass herself tonight he exclaimed rapturously is she not superb and then her jewels mondia her jewels and indeed mrs redmond justified his enthusiasm her white satin gown was cut with a severity of style well adapted to display her graceful figure to the best advantage an arch of diamonds spanned her dark hair supporting a crescent of flawless opals which radiated rays of fire with every motion of her head while a string of diamonds encircled her neck one large curiously shaped opal forming a pendant which alternately glowed and paled upon her white throat about her waist was a girdle composed of close flexible links of dull gold heavily studded with opals each stone being set in diamond points mrs redmond's jewels were the envy of her feminine acquaintances but the priceless opals were the wonder and admiration of all washington how hot it is observed a dowager and purple satin to one in black as the rooms filled rapidly my dear return the other confidentially i assure you that nothing in the world but the fear of disappointing isabel lured me from my chimney corner tonight these crushes are most unsatisfactory don't you think so isabella looks extremely well this evening remarked the first speaker pleasantly she is quite the prettiest girl in the room now i had to pilot my knees through four seasons one whole administration before i got her settled but i fancy you won't have the same experience well i don't know was the doubtful response this is her second season and neither isabel nor her father seemed to realize the importance of an early and advantage its marriage for a girl my dear i often say to her as time passes your roses fade and your chances grow less by the way interrupting herself hastily who is that being presented to her two pairs of gold lourniets were leveled upon the unconscious man as he bowed to isabel and carelessly straightened the flower in his button hole i think said she of the purple satin with renewed interest that it is the honorable cisa lindhurst one of the new british attaches a great catch my dear second son old baronal estates title in prospect and all that sort of thing isabel could not do better indeed said the careful aunt thoughtfully indeed the lourniets were dropped and fans resumed the secretary begins to show his age don't you think so mrs chesley said the purple satin dexterously concealing a yawn he looks tired but mrs redmond is as fresh as a daisy still the difference in years is very marked tonight my dear mrs leighton replied mrs chesley acidly i hear she once made her own living i think she was abroad with some family as governess or maybe it was companion when he first knew her now i'm sure you are wrong mrs chesley interrupted mrs leighton eagerly i have it on good authority that she had gone to germany to study music and that it was her playing which first attracted him was it said mrs chesley indefinitely well anyway he married her over there and brought her home he was then in the senate you know and i remember that there was a good deal of disappointment among the mothers about it quite naturally we have so few eligibles in washington and the fans waved slowly to and fro as the conversation drifted into other channels mrs isabel bird although in her second season was still suspected of attending balls simply for the pleasure of dancing and the fact that she was often obliged to divide her favors spoke volumes for her popularity in a city where dancing men were at a premium and hostesses frequently driven to the verge of distraction to provide expectant damsels with even an occasional partner she was merely a thoroughly healthy happy american girl ignorant of care or responsibility and had never in her life lost an hour's sleep except when she had the measles why should she not enjoy every moment of her existence thank you said the honorable say so lend her as the waltz ended it was delightful yes wasn't it it's the floor you know returned isabel naively there is not another like it in all washington the honorable say so adjusted his monocle and gravely considered the waxed floor if i should find you a chair in some quiet corner he suggested at last would you take pity on my ignorance and point out a few people one ought to know if the chair proves comfortable said isabel laughing i should probably be very obliging ah this is nice and it was undeniably cozy in the recess behind a tall palm where a small divan loaded with pillows offered an inviting surface for the weary to rest upon while a mantle backed with ferns and red roses presented an effective background for us lunder form in a white frock also one could command a fine view of the ballroom with his glittering panorama of handsomely gowned women and black-coated men which the british attaches scrutinized with a good deal of interest well inquired miss bird suddenly what do you think of us collectively or individually returned the honorable say so quite unmoved by the abruptness of the query both individually you interest me very much collectively i have not had time to form an opinion i only arrived at the legation yesterday and my chief brought me here tonight we will probably be very nice to you returned isabel we're awfully polite to diplomats as a rule now she continued leaning back comfortably ask me some questions i am all prepared to be instructive first he said after a comprehensive view of the room who is the impressive old lady in black looking this way with such interest that's my aunt mrs chesley said isabel laughing and she is talking to my father senator bird i will present you to them both after a while i have no other relatives here so you can be as unguarded as you please they both laughed a little and isabel continued a scarcely perceptible motion of her fan indicating the person of whom she spoke miss stone the chicago eris she is naturally in great demand so you must lose no time in meeting her of course i shall be charmed he returned politely but there is no need for undue haste is there the minister from the netherlands i don't know why he always seemed surrounded by a halo of romance said isabel interrupting herself he is certainly most commonplace but i always think of him as very interesting i suppose it is the name the netherlands sound so fascinating somehow arose by any other name he quoted smiling the russian ambassador and count vladmir one of the new attaches resumed isabel i see you know them already count vladmir and myself were stationed at our respective embassies in berlin at the same time we also both happen to be on duty in paris later on it must be delightful to have lived in such a number of places and to meet so many interesting people said isabel enthusiastically and then to know all sorts of state secrets and be mixed up in international controversies must be positively thrilling it has both advantages and disadvantages miss bird that is mrs redmond talking to the russian attache is she not lovely exclaimed isabel after indicating several other personages of note mr lindhurst adjusted his eyeglass critically he had been obliged to pass on with a hasty glance when presented owing to pressure in the rear and felt a natural curiosity as to the appearance of his hostess who now turned as though in response to his desire and walked towards them her hand upon the arm of count vladmir and her jewels gleaming under the electric lights miss bird rose and closed her fan will you take me to my aunt she asked we have been here quite too long i fear but her companion did not reply he was watching the white drain of mrs redmond's gown disappear into the conservatory opposite and on his face was the incredulous expression of one suddenly confronted by the impossible the dim light of the conservatory and the cool green of the many palms offered a restful vista for eyes wearied with the glitter of the ballroom and the splash and ripple of a small fountain replaced the music of the band most acceptably the russian attache indicated a divan comfortable with many pillows madame is tired he remarked it is weary work receiving people especially with the american custom of shaking hands another cushion at your back so mrs redmond leaned against the cushion and contemplated the point of her slipper her eyes followed the pattern of seed pearls embroidered upon it and she afterwards remembered that there were 26 small beads in each flower and one large one the conservatory was empty except for themselves but through the curtain door came the hum of conversation mingled with strains of music and shadows of passing figures fell dark upon the white marble floor the air was heavy with the scent of blooming plants and oppressive in its moist heat mrs redmond smoothed her long white glove until not a wrinkle remained well she said interrogatively her companion broke a leaf off the plant nearest him and slowly tore it into bits i received the role of music madame he said at last many thanks for your trouble it was not however quite complete indeed the translation was lacking consequently the song itself is to me pointless in fact madame it resembled a lock without a key you are apt in your similes count he stooped to pick up a cushion which had slipped to the floor and replaced it carefully on the divan might i venture to trespass further on your kindness madame he said quietly i should much appreciate the translation i am interested in the folklore of all countries but their dialects are puzzling will you come to my assistance the last notes of a waltz died away with the lingering sweetness peculiar to some melodies and the conservatory was suddenly alive with the voices and laughter of dancers who eagerly sought the cushioned seats judiciously placed in the dimly lighted seclusion of remote corners or conveniently large palms the secretary laboriously escorting a stout matron towards the supper room passed so close to his wife and her companion that she might have touched him by putting out her hand oh no mrs leighton he was saying an evident reply to her interrogation i don't carry my diplomatic burden with me always even a peddler is free from his pack sometimes you know but such heavy responsibilities murmured mrs leighton vaguely i try to leave them at the department he returned pleasantly when i close my front door behind me i like to shut out all perplexities and vexations one's home should be one's oasis in the desert of workaday life don't you think so mrs leighton made an indefinite reply and their voices were lost in the general home of conversation the russian attache leaned forward that he might better see his companion's face which was somewhat in the shadow you will oblige me will you not he said softly a moment silence ensued during which the musical splash of the fountain was distinctly audible i fear you must excuse me count she said at last slowly i have no time to make the translation you desire he shrugged his shoulders indifferently you have many guests tonight madame he remarked carelessly as though dismissing the previous topic i recognized a face just now i had not seen in years the world is small is it not too small assented mrs redmond briefly again absorbed in her slipper it was the new british attache he resumed reflectively perhaps madame you also remember him i do not think so she replied opening her fan but i did not hear his name distinctly what is it i knew him said count vladmir in merlin the fan paused in its slow motion and the lace bordering the bosom of her gown moved suddenly yes she said in a carefully modulated voice his name madame is lindhurst the fan slipped from mrs redmond's fingers and fell upon the marble floor of the conservatory he stooped and returned it with a slight bow the stick is broken madame ivory and marble were never meant to clash it is a pity mrs redmond rose and closed her broken fan we will return to the ballroom she said quietly i am neglecting my guests and i he responded also rising regretfully was engaged for the waltz just past also for the one now in progress i am not often so remiss as to forget my engagements but in your society madame one should not be held responsible for a lapse of memory shall we go as he stepped back to allow his companion to pass count vladmir unceremoniously bumped into a short stout man who followed by senator bird had just entered the conservatory my dear sir he exclaimed apologetically a thousand pardons my dear sir returned the stout gentleman properly i will gladly grant you ten thousand always go a dago one better bird he remarked as they passed on you'll find it a good rule when i meet him i'm overflowing with civility just as they are and i treat them all alike just as i call them all dagos regardless of nationality you don't appreciate your social privileges return senator bird laughing many of them are first-rate fellows and you must admit they are popular damned popular agreed his companion emphatically just look at the women always ready to jump if they whistle even mrs redmond continually has that russian fox at her elbow and i saw your pretty little red haired girl sitting in a corner with the latest john bull utterly oblivious to the rest of the world i tell you i don't like them americans are good enough for me the honorable joshua grimes was a specimen of that type of united states politician so invaluable to cartoonists fat bald-headed irascible and quick-witted he had long ago made himself solid with his party and for many years represented a country district the mutual satisfaction of himself and his constituents finding time meanwhile to keep an eye to his own interests and the accumulation of the almighty dollar without which he was want to remark a man could do nothing in this country or any other i don't suppose remarked senator bird as the member of congress paused for breath i don't suppose you asked me to come in here simply to abuse the diplomatic corps well no i didn't fact is bird i wanted to show you something i picked up just outside the ballroom door senator bird responded to the greeting of a passing acquaintance and turned again to his companion well he said interrogatively mr grimes produced two scraps of paper creased and dirty as though crumpled into a ball and thrown away and smoothed them out carefully they were so covered with pencil marks and erasures as to be almost illegible he handed them to senator bird without comment well said the senator after a moment scrutiny this seems to be a rough draft of something i should say but i doubt if i can make it out i can return the other and passively thought i couldn't at first then found i could just like most things in life now listen the two men drew closer together as the member of congress lowered his voice this he said indicating the top paper is so erased and scratched up i cannot make anything out of it but here at the bottom of the second page is a perfectly intelligible sentence we'll meet you thursday night and bring roost shook papers and that is what i wanted to show you he added dryly just at this time it is both interesting and puzzling senator bird made no reply he was examining those pieces of paper which were fastened together in the upper left hand corner by a bit of red white and blue cord the senator touched it and looked up inquiringly yes said the stout member of congress quietly it is the state department symbol now the question is ah return the senator slowly that is the question he moved forward as he spoke and joined the secretary who had been wandering about the handsome rooms chatting with first one and then another in the genial pleasant manner which made him universally popular mr grimes meanwhile twisted the tricolored cold about his finger and admired the effect the secretary stood in the doorway watching the panorama of the ballroom and enjoying the gorgeous spectacle the droop of his shoulders was pronounced tonight and the lines about his eyes very apparent to the senator as he studied him for a moment before speaking that is your private secretary dancing with isabel is it not said senator bird suddenly i introduced him replied the secretary simply i wanted him to enjoy himself yes no doubt return the senator laughing well they don't either of them seem bored i hope he added with sudden seriousness as the two young people were lost in the crowd that your judgment of mr lee is correct appearances are much against him i hope you have made no mistake perhaps i have said the secretary quietly time alone will tell i exclaimed senator bird here is mrs redmond dancing with dupray involuntarily the secretary held himself more erect and the eyes which followed his wife's graceful form were no longer strained and weary but met her smiling glance with one equally cheerful as he waved his hand with a slight gesture of greeting mr and mrs redmond always exchanged a glance and smile even after a short separation mr dupray was proficient in the art of waltzing and guided his partner skillfully down the long room he was conscious that he was the sinister of all beholders and much enjoyed his position for mrs redmond danced with a grace which made her movements the poetry of motion the fiery crescent shown brilliantly against her dark hair while the glowing jewels about her waist added a touch of living color indescribably effective no wonder the secretary's eyes followed his wife as long as she was visible and no wonder the honorable saso lindherst lounging in an opposite doorway stared in a manner not wholly consistent with good breeding that gentleman however slowly retired to a smoking room where he fixed himself a rather stiff brandy and soda the cadives opals he ejaculated as he pressed the siphon by joe the cadives opals end of chapter five chapter six of the wife of the secretary of state this is a librivox recording all the bribrox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit librivox.org recording by dana moilinger the wife of the secretary of state by elham idilton type out chapter six mrs redmond stood in the deserted ballrooms and waited for her husband the sense of emptiness which follows in the wake of departed festivity pervaded the house whether droses drew dejectedly now and then letting full petals brown and shrunken at the edges while the footsteps of the servants sounded strange and unreal as they moved about in the distance extinguishing lights and closing windows the ball had been an unquestionable success but the hostess was tired as her pale cheeks and the violet shadows beneath her eyes testified indisputably she had neglected no one even the most impossible girls had been provided for and consequently gone home complacently reflecting that their charms at last began to be appreciated therefore she should have retired to well-earned repose with a comfortable sense of duty well performed on the contrary however mrs redmond's eyes were widely opened gazing abstractedly into space and her breath came in little gasps through her parted lips she had removed her gloves and occasionally raised her hand to her throat as though the weight of her necklace oppressed her a scarcely perceptible sound caused her to turn towards the empty drawing room and start impulsively in that direction posing suddenly after taking a few steps she stood irresolute as the owner decided whether to retreat or advance again from the next room came a muffled noise as of a heavy piece of furniture carefully moved mrs redmond leaned forward listening intently then walked quietly towards the communicating door lifting her skirts carefully as they might not rustle the large drawing room was dimly lighted now and at a casual glance appeared quiet empty closer inspection however revealed a figure at the farther end a man moving slowly his head bent forward as though the better examine every inch of floor surface he traversed occasionally he posed to shake out the folds of a curtain or lift a cushion from a chair and once or twice dropped hastily upon one knee and carefully sifted a little heap of faded rose leaves or raised a corner of a rug and looked beneath it then resumed his journey round the room and mrs redmond followed step by step down the long parlor and threw the little reception room into the hall beyond pausing when he paused and noiselessly advancing when he resumed his line of march across the hall they went still unobserved into the library and straight to the large mahogany desk used by the secretary when at home now it is difficult to distinguish objects when the light is dim and it was therefore necessary to stoop closely over the various letters and papers in order to decipher them and even to turn on the electric light which stood upon the desk thus producing an unexpectedly bright illumination in an instant the searcher had adjusted the shade but not before his profile had been distinctly vignetted against a dark, wainscotted wall plainly visible to the woman behind him who with a stifled gasp of surprised recognition drew hastily back folding the dark portiere about her white gown and standing motionless in the doorway keenly observant of every detail evidently the quest was unsuccessful for he extinguished the light and left the room passing so close to mrs redmond that his shoulders stirred a sheltering portiere and almost touched her arm and she stood erect and motionless making no sound nor effort to detain him while the color gradually turned to her cheeks and her eyes shone with repressed excitement the latch of the front door clicked softly and the breath of cool air stirred a heavy atmosphere of the deserted hall James said the secretary's voice from the stairs he may put out the lights and go to bed the house can be set to rights in the morning the density of mrs redmond's attitude relaxed suddenly as with an exclamation of relief she released the portiere and started into the hall to meet her husband poor dear she said sympathetically extending both hands in greeting how tired you look come into the dining room and forage I know you haven't eaten a morsel and neither have I and I'm starving positively starving the secretary laughed and allowed himself to be gently pulled into the direction of the dining room where the light still burned and glass and silver glittered invitingly sit down said mrs redmond relinquishing his hands and pulling up a chair and I'll get you something oh yes john let me I love so to do it and you know it will taste better than if a waiter brings it see here is salad and wine and some of those nice crisp little rolls wait she continued setting the plate before him don't be greedy john wait till I'm ready too she drew another chair close to her husband and tasted the salad critically the best part of the bowl she remarked conclusively is when we eat whatever we can find all by ourselves and talk it over I've been looking forward to this for hours and so have you now don't try to deny it I know you have you are irresistible tonight as tell return the secretary fondly your opals are on fire child and so are your eyes the jewel at her throat glowed triumphantly as though in acknowledgement of this involuntary tribute to its beauty but a sudden mistiness clouded the blue eyes which darkened and softened as the secretary leaned forward taking her face between his hands and gazed earnestly into them I am very proud of my wife he said gently and the opal changed from red to blue fading cold and colorless in the shadow of his hands by the way he continued resuming his fork after a moment's silence I thought I heard the front door close just now did you notice who came in mrs. redmond crumbled a bit of bread and swept the fragments into the little heap of the dammel's cloth it was mr. length she replied quietly but he didn't come in john he went out and of chapter six chapter seven of the wife of the secretary of state this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Julia Wise the wife of the secretary of state by Ella Middleton-Tibaut chapter seven the moon is a long way from the earth yet it sometimes looks near at hand and almost within reach occasionally also one falls victim to its glamour and when under a spell of its enchantment forgets that there is such a thing as distance then gradually the soft light vanishes the earth is no longer a place beautiful but degenerates into a treadmill where one must keep moving or fall by the wayside and the moon itself is discovered to be merely a luminous body with no power of enchantment whatever in short the spell is broken and the distance very apparent as david lee awoke the morning after mrs. redmond's ball he was conscious of a vague sensation of guiding a slender white gown figure through a crowded room to the dreamy rhythm of a well-played waltz this agreeable vision was gradually replaced by the unpleasant reality that the furnace made not the slightest impression on mrs. colson's north room and that breakfast was in progress below an odor of beef steak wafted to his unwilling nostrils aided him in reaching the latter conclusion and he also believed the steak to be accompanied by fried potatoes plainly it was time for the secretary secretary to be up and doing for another day it announced itself and the doors of the state department would shortly be unlocked ready for the usual routine the click of the tie prider would sound instead of the voice of the violin office furniture and accessories would replace the flower decked ballroom and politicians with silk hats and immaculate waist coats would claim his attention instead of isabel bird in her dandy gown isabel who because of her gray eyes with their long black lashes and for other inscrutable reasons suddenly became the one girl in his small world as he inscribed his name on her program and waited with inconcealed impatience for his dance isabel last night a de la delightful vision but a girl and therefore to be one this morning very much the daughter of senator bird and quite out of the question at first his recollections of the previous night were vaguely centered around the one face and figure but as he opened his eyes and mechanically sat upright lia was overwhelmed by a sudden rush of memory certain facts flashed across mind with startling distinctness and he sank down among the pillows turning his back upon the gray light of the winter morning from which he would faint retire past eight mr. lee this announcement was accompanied by a knock on the door repeated after a silent interval in a slightly more imperative manner and anybody think to hear the grumpiness of him that it was myself asking a favor instead of doing one let her know Nora with an indignant toss of her head as she retreated after eliciting a brief but pungent response from within it was rather pale depressed looking young man who troubled mrs. colson for a cup of strong coffee some fifteen minutes later and swallowed it hastily with no apparent realization of the fact that it was near the boiling point what do you think his throat is made of inquired mrs. colson generally as david left the table after a hurried pretext at breakfast the same material as your own i suppose returned miss jackson tartly fingering and refusing several pieces of bread preparatory to putting up her lunch miss jackson's manners like her shoes were somehow what down at the heel this morning the prospect of the long hours which must be passed in the seclusion of the treasury department lent an acidity to her whole aspect and she buttered her bread disdainfully as though repudiating any personal connection therewith don't you think remarked mrs. colson so to go she as miss jackson in turn sought the front door the dear miss jackson looks very old and peeked this winter and there was a general murmur of assent from his jackson's friends and associates at the state department much was waiting for willing or unwilling hands to do the secretary was late in arriving and this daily mountain of mail accumulated on his desk awaiting his signature lee turned it over meditatively here were routine matters prepared by various branches of the department and apparently of no particular interest to the private secretary for he passed them by with a casual glance here too was the incoming mail and he looked through it also sifting it rapidly and laying certain papers aside for the personal attention of the secretary taking various others to his own desk in the smaller joining room he began to dispose of them mechanically but suddenly he paused and resting his arms on the desk about his head upon them there must be some way out of it he ejaculated some other way it was diplomatic day and the representatives of various countries began to assemble in the room set apart for their use before the secretary arrived he came in hastily accompanied by senator bird you say the president demands an explanation observe the latter as they entered he demands the papers themselves replied mr. redmond in a troubled voice he says their disappearance is incredible i almost think he believes no interrupted the hit senator hastily impossible his manner was extremely frigid continued the secretary unlocking a drawer in his desk he declined to discuss the roost choked matter but gave me this synopsis of the policy he desired to pursue remarking that it was difficult to handle a case of this sort for memory alone and he said he trusted i would make an effort to produce the other papers and draw up on the random for him containing a few facts as he disliked dealing in generalities and wanted to issue his ultimatum and his policy the secretary's fingers tapped nervously against a long envelope he drew from his pocket and he sank weirdly into the brown leather chair beside his desk before replying it means he said slowly if he persists and i think he will war with russia and eventually with england it means needless sacrifice of life and unnecessary expenditure of money fatherless children tears and the bitterness of desolation to many women and perhaps a little glory for a favorite few that is what the president's policy means to the country lee turned uneasily in his swivel chair he was in plain sight from the adjoining room but his presence was overlooked or ignored by both men and the secretary began to speak again in short jerky sentences as though simply voicing his thoughts if we had been given time time to negotiate further if we conceded certain points even while insisting upon our rights i meant to mediate to be conciliatory i meant to keep the peace the country is unprepared said senator bird gravely war means defeat and humiliation not victory and triumph can you not use your influence my influence said the secretary quietly vanished with the rusechuk papers the president was not himself today his matter was extraordinary to say the least i don't like it bird i don't like it well said senator bird taking up his hat we must do what we can to avert trouble at least we will go slowly the senate will not favor anything precipitate but i am not so sure about the house however i will see rivers and grimes and we will keep it quiet for a few weeks longer if possible meanwhile the other papers may turn up the plan of defense of new york harbour is missing said the secretary slowly do you realize what that means just now and we have no idea what is it mr lee for the private secretary had approached his chief with a hesitating reminder of the waiting diplomats yes certainly responded the secretary putting the envelope he held into the open drawer and turning the key i should have remembered and i have not even looked at my morning's mail he sighed impatiently then rose and squared his shoulders resolutely i will receive the ambassador from great britain he announced as he passed into long ebony trained reception room an hour later lee was conscious of a subdued russell in the secretary's office accompanied by a subtle perfume and turning hastily beheld as much of miss isabel bird as the large stable muff she carried would permit dear me remarked that young person as he came quickly forward would a very serious sort of place i really feel as though i were in church and should whisper and you look grave and important enough mr lee to officiate as the lay reader is it possible that you actually danced with me last night wasn't it a jolly ball sadly eagerly boyish and attractive in an instant i hope miss bird you are not tired this morning you look as fit as possible isabel laughed and remarked that she had come down to meet her father but believed he had forgotten his appointment why said david smiling the senator has been here and gone up to the capital i fear he did forget miss bird in that case she replied taking up her month i won't wait any longer perhaps mr lee you can tell me how to find the state department library i wanted to look up something there and father was going to help me it's awfully tiresome in him to forget i haven't a bit of sense about doing such things for myself if i could be of any assistance began david eagerly i should be only too glad oh no miss bird as she made a faint protest i really have plenty of time there is no reason i should not help you the deceitful moon again seemed almost within reach as the swing door closed behind him and he touched the button for the elevator which would lift him far above such mundane trifles as official correspondence and a threatened international crisis behind the brass green in the now empty room the wood fire snapped and crackled cheerfully the sunlight shown through the large south windows gilding even the sober bindings of the corpulent volumes of law and jurisprudence in the revolving bookcase and touching gently the secretary's pens placed in an orderly row on their rack his brown leather chair and the bronze paperweight on the water but the full force of the sun was concentrated upon the handle of the key the secretary had in the upper right hand drawer of his desk which shone and twinkled irresistibly audaciously drawing attention to itself and seeming to proclaim to whom it might concern here i am ready and waiting come and turn me to the secretary seated at the head of a long ebony trim table the morning was interminable he had received the ambassador from great britain and had managed so well that the latter had retired pleased with himself and the world in general the chinese minister too had paid his respects and delivered a message from his sovereign containing protestations of friendship and endless fidelity and the secretary had replied in kind lesser lights in the diplomatic world called and delivered their credentials or brought documents from their respective governments the ambassador from russia had also called it seemed to the secretary as he pondered anxiously over the last minute interview that it was not entirely satisfactory there had been an assertive manner about his visitor as unwelcome as it was unexpected and the request he preferred seemed to assume the nature of a demand when calmly considered afterward so the lines on the secretary's forehead deepened as he sat abstractedly in the long handsome room and the minutes passed unnoticed suddenly he became aware of a quick rustle of skirts and two soft hands were clasped over his eyes and guess said a voice close to his ear guess which country i represent why is still he exclaimed in accents which would have surprised the russian minister what brings you here and how very pretty you look my dear do i said mrs redmond immediately consulting the mirror i'm so glad i like to look my very best when i come to see you but suppose someone else had come in they're all gone john long ago i waited ages all alone out in your office and you were in such a brown study you never heard me open the door behind you every now and then i looked in now i want something can you guess what money has her did the secretary in the light of past experience no said mrs redmond laughing not this time try again i'm not good at guessing nor it remembering don't you know this is our anniversary we were married in april said the secretary smiling i remember it very well the 16th this is december have you forgotten that december day in paris when we died in the latin quarter no said the secretary drawing her nearer to him no a style certainly not the butter without salt she continued breathlessly the dear old dingy room and the white wine tasting like vinegar he supplemented i remember it tasted like nectar to me she said dreamily and afterwards oh john you do remember of course he said quickly why astell how could i forget you've never regretted it john i was poor and obscure and lonely sometimes i think you asked me out of pity astell said the secretary looking earnestly into her eyes listen to me my only pleasure in life my only happiness is centered in you without you i should not care to live the wonder is child that you should love so old a man well i do said mrs redmond between tears and laughter and dear me how serious we have grown what i came for was to take you out with me i know a little french pension and we can eat lunch there all by ourselves i meant to order just what we had that day i remember it all even the salad and so do i said the secretary laughing and opening the door i am charm to lunch with you mrs redmond although i don't recall the vans with a marked degree of pleasure and afterwards said mrs redmond softly we will go home together you must not come back here today it is mine we'll be comfy and happy you shall sit and smoke on one side of the fire and i'll sit there too on the same side and we'll talk about paris and venice and the old days come john they passed into the private office just as the outer door opened to admit david lee and mrs redmond paused to greet him while her husband put on his overcoat mr lee said the secretary after a cursory glanced at his desk i am going out and i shall not return this afternoon the assistant secretary will sign a sudden flash of light from the shining key caught his eye and he removed it from the drawer and placed it on his key ring mrs redmond moved towards the door and beckoned impatiently you will please look over my mail mr lee continued the secretary as he joined his wife and i don't think there is anything else to keep you here this afternoon no doubt you can find good use for the time elsewhere he nodded kindly as he closed the door but his private secretary stood stupidly in the center of the room gazing at the desk with its pile of papers and empty chair something white lay on the floor at his feet and he stooped to pick it up it proved to be a dainty handkerchief perfumed an embroidery lee folded it carefully as he crossed the room and looked out of the window over the broad expanse of the mall with eyes which saw nothing of the wintery landscape i was gone for two hours he remarked to an inquisitive sparrow which sought shelter from the wind on the stone windowsill two whole hours end of chapter seven