Dupont had risen to his feet. At once, a hush fell over the room. The

distinguished gentleman glanced around the table with a look almost of severity.

Then he said: "I hope I am not trespassing over a duty ascribed to someone else

present here, but then I had heard no proposals for anyone to give a toast in

thanks to our host, the most honourable and kind Lord Darlington." There was a

murmur of .approval. M.

 

Dupont went on: "Many things of ill1terest have been said in this house over the

past days. Many important things." He paused, and there was now utter stillness

in the room.

 

"There has been much", he continued, "which has implicitly or otherwise

criticized - it is not so strong a word - criticized the foreign policy of my

country." He paused again, looking rather stern. One might even have thought him

to be angry. "We have heard in these two days several thorough and intelligent

analyses of the present very complex situation in Europe. But none of them, may

I say, has fully comprehended the reasons for the attitude France has adopted

towards her neighbour. However," - he raised a finger - "this is not the time to

enter into such debates. In fact, I deliberately refrained from entering into

such debates during these past days because I came principally to listen. And

let me say now that I have been impressed by certain of the arguments I have

heard here. But how impressed, you may be asking." M. Dupont took another pause

during which his gaze travelled in an almost leisurely manner around all the

faces fixed upon him. Then at last he said: