I will endeavor to give you the bare
outlines of the affair. Even you, I suppose, have observed or heard of
the growing friendship between my country and yours, which has
culminated in what is called the _entente cordiale_."
"Yes, I know as much as that," Guy admitted.
"This movement," the Duke said, "has been looked upon with growing
distaste and disfavor in Russia. Russia is the traditional and
inevitable enemy of your country. Russia had, I may go so far as to say,
made up her mind for war with England very soon after her first reverses
at the hands of Japan. I am telling you now what is a matter of common
knowledge amongst diplomatists when I tell you that it was the attitude
of my country--of France--which alone has stayed her hand."
"This is very interesting," Guy said, "even to me, who have never taken
any interest in politics, but----"
"Wait! Russia, as I say, found us indisposed to back her in any quarrel
with England. She turned then, of course, to Germany. We became aware,
through our secret service, that something was on foot between the two
countries. With our utmost vigilance we were unable to obtain any
particulars.
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