I was determined
to fight to the bitter end any measure for war.
[Illustration: The Kiss!]
"With all this in mind, I tore up the fair Cuban's letter and threw it
into the waste-basket. At that very moment a page hurried to my side and
handed me a card.
"Manuel Villasante was waiting to see me!
"I went out to him most reluctantly. He greeted me with enthusiasm; his
delight amounting almost to rapture. I am afraid I did not meet him half
way, nor anywhere near it. He did not appear to notice it.
"'My dear, dear friend,' said he, 'this is a sublime moment! To see
_you_, the gay companion, the good fellow, the butterfly, I may say, of
other days, a member of this great body is certainly soul-stirring! So
you have realized your ambition? What next? The Senate? And then--then?'
he pointed upward, 'higher yet? and still higher? Ha! The White House?
Who knows?' he whispered prophetically.
"I cast my eyes modestly to the floor.
"'This is quite enough for me, or any other good American; but, Senor,
tell me about your father and the Senorita, your sister; are they well?
And how long have you been in Washington? It is certainly good to see
you again.'
"'We are all here for a few days--my father, my sister, and I. You know
we are living in New York this winter?'
"'In New York, eh? Fine! It is strange,' I continued, 'but I was
thinking of you and your family the very moment your card was brought
in.
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