“Madam,” began the leader at the head of the table, “I did not predict wrongly regarding our friend from Kentucky; but in reply to him, I myself must say, as I have already said, we are but a simple republic,—­all our acts must be open and known.  What special fund, my dear sir,”—­this to the speaker, who still retained his position,—­“in what manner, indeed, could this be arranged?”

“In the easiest way in the world,” rejoined the Kentuckian.  “This lady, whatever be her nationality, is at heart much identified with the cause of Hungary, which she has been so good as to confuse with our own cause here in America.  Her idea is to advance democracy—­and to advance pure nationalism.  Very well.  We have already invited Louis Kossuth to come to America as the guest of this country.  Even now one of the vessels of our navy is approaching his port of exile in Turkey to carry him hither.  In the entertainment of Louis Kossuth large sums of money will be—­and it is proper that they should be—­expended.  The people demand it.  The dignity of this nation must be maintained.  Popular approval will meet the proper expenditures for any such entertainment.

“Now then, gentlemen,”—­and he raised an argumentative forefinger,—­“there must be committees of entertainment; there must be those able to interpret, those competent to arrange large plans, and to do so courteously, with dignity.”  He bowed toward the somewhat dejected figure of the only woman present, who scarce ventured to raise her eyes to his, startled as she was by the sudden turn of events,

“Now, Sir, we all understand this is wholly unofficial and informal; we understand that there is no special fund which could be devoted to any such purpose as I have suggested—­unless it were precisely this fund for the Kossuth entertainment!  Gentlemen, it is not the part of a host to set a limit upon the visit of a guest.  It is my belief that Kossuth will remain on these shores for at least ten years, and that he will need entertainment for each of those ten years at least!” A gentle applause met this speech.  The speaker himself smiled as he went on.

“For a competent committee head, charged with the duty of making that entertainment gracious and dignified and worthy alike of the Old World and the New, I should think that an annual expenditure of, say, eight thousand or ten thousand dollars, would not be inadequate!  If this lady, whose kind heart and brilliant mind, as our honored friend has said, both have been shown before us to-day,—­if she would agree,—­if she would accept,—­some such provision as this from this fund, I am entirely clear in my own mind as to both the wisdom and the absolute propriety of extending this offer to her!”

He sat down.  Laughter and applause met his remarks.  Thus, and gallantly, did Kentucky make amends.