Behind this group sat a fourth man who leaned forward occasionally and whispered to the official. His face was in shadow and the only thing Dick could see was the thick dark brown beard which covered his regular features and a pair of piercing black eyes.
"For heaven's sake, Jennie," the boy cried at last, "who is that villain in the Diplomatic gallery?"
"Oh, that's the Sardinian Minister--King Victor Emmanuel's new drummer of trade for Genoa. He's getting ahead of the French, too."
"No--no, I don't mean that little rat. I mean the big fellow with the heavy jaw and a face like a rattlesnake. He's trying to charm you too."
"Silly! That's the new Secretary of War, Joseph Holt."
"No--that shows his good taste. It's the way he looks at you and moves his crooked mouth and the way he bends his big flat head forward."
"Rubbish--he's a loyal Southerner--and if we have to fight he'll be with us."
"Of course, he will. He's careful now. He's in old Buck's cabinet. Wait and see. He called on Mr. Davis last night."
"Different--Seward's a Black Republican from New York--Holt's a Southern Democrat from Mississippi."
"And who's the young knight by his side with the dear little mustache to which he seems so attached?"
"I never saw him before. He's handsome, isn't he?"
"Looks to me like a young black snake just shed his skin waiting for that old adder to show him how to strike."
"God save the Queen! They're coming here--they're coming for you--"
The Secretary of War had nodded in recognition of Jennie, risen suddenly, and moved toward the gallery exit with his slender companion.
"Nonsense, Dick--he only bowed because he saw me staring--"
"He's bringing that mustache to meet you--"
The boy turned with a scowl toward the door of their gallery and saw the Secretary of War slowly making his way through the crowd to their seats.
Jennie blushed and smiled in friendly response to the Secretary's awkward effort at Southern politeness.
"Miss Barton, may I ask a little favor of you?"
"Certainly, Mr. Holt. Allow me to introduce my friend, Mr. Welford of Virginia."
The Secretary bowed stiffly and Dick nodded his head with indifference.
"The Italian Minister with whom I've just been talking wishes the honor of an introduction for his Secretary. Miss Jennie, will you meet him?"