human
There are two women in our world to-day, said Calhoun.
gpt
As to Jackson, the old fool was a monogamist, and still is. Not so much so Jim Polk of Tennessee. Never does he appear in public with eyes other than for the Doña Lucrezia of the Mexican legation! Now, one against the other--Mexico against Austria--
human
That is to say, England, and _not_ Austria, went on Calhoun coldly.
gpt
The ambassadress of England to America was born in Budapest! So I say, Austria; or perhaps Hungary, or some other country, which raised this strange representative who has made some stir in Washington here these last few weeks.
human
Ah, _you mean the baroness!_ exclaimed Doctor Ward.
gpt
Tut! Tut!
human
Yes, he said,
gpt
I mean Mr. Pakenham's reputed mistress, his assured secret agent and spy, the beautiful Baroness von Ritz!
human
Gay Sir Richard! he resumed.
gpt
You know, his ancestor was a brother-in-law of the Duke of Wellington. He himself seems to have absorbed some of the great duke's fondness for the fair. Before he came to us he was with England's legation in Mexico. 'Twas there he first met the Doña Lucrezia. 'Tis said he would have remained in Mexico had it not been arranged that she and her husband, Señor Yturrio, should accompany General Almonte in the Mexican ministry here. On _these_ conditions, Sir Richard agreed to accept promotion as minister plenipotentiary to Washington!
human
That was nine years ago,
gpt
Yes; and it was only last fall that he was made envoy extraordinary. He is at least an extraordinary envoy! Near fifty years of age, he seems to forget public decency; he forgets even the Doña Lucrezia, leaving her to the admiration of Mr. Polk and Mr. Van Zandt, and follows off after the sprightly Baroness von Ritz. Meantime, Señor Yturrio _also_ forgets the Doña Lucrezia, and proceeds _also_ to follow after the baroness--although with less hope than Sir Richard, as they say! At least Pakenham has taste! The Baroness von Ritz has brains and beauty both. It is _she_ who is England's real envoy. Now, I believe she knows England's real intentions as to Texas.
human
I do not care at present to say more, went on my chief;
gpt
Calhoun, are you mad? cried his friend.
human
Would you plunge this country into war? Would you pit two peoples, like cocks on a floor? And would you use women in our diplomacy?