But, tell me, how did you get hold of
Gladstone?
"Miss O. Rien de plus simple! Four or five years ago I asked what
was his weak point, and was told that he had two, 'Effervescence,'
and 'Theology.' With that knowledge I found it all child's play to
manage him. I just sent him to Munich, and there boiled him up in
a weak decoction of 'Filioque,' then kept him ready for use, and
impatiently awaited the moment when our plans for getting up the
'Bulgarian atrocities' should be mature. I say 'impatiently,' for,
Heavens, how slow you all were! at least so it strikes a woman.
The arrangement of the 'atrocities' was begun by our people in
1871, and yet till 1876, though I had Gladstone ready in 1875,
nothing really was done! I assure you, Prince, it is a trying
thing to a woman to be kept waiting for promised atrocities such an
unconscionable time.
"G. That brother-in-law of yours was partly the cause of our
slowness. He was always wanting to have the orders for fire and
blood in neat formal despatches, signed by me, and copied by
clerks. However, I hope you are satisfied now, with the butcheries
and the flames, and the--?
"Miss O.
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