While I was still in Italy I was chosen secretary, and all the members of that time, who were brought face to face with my president, were brought face to face also with

me .”

I began to understand him⁠—I saw the end towards which his extraordinary disclosure was now tending. He waited a moment, watching me earnestly⁠—watching till he had evidently guessed what was passing in my mind before he resumed.

“You have drawn your own conclusion already,” he said. “I see it in your face. Tell me nothing⁠—keep me out of the secret of your thoughts. Let me make my one last sacrifice of myself, for your sake, and then have done with this subject, never to return to it again.”

He signed to me not to answer him⁠—rose⁠—removed his coat⁠—and rolled up the shirtsleeve on his left arm.