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presence in their midst of a military officer who, until recently, was deeply involved in the slaughter of loyal British troops. They give offense, sir, and should be turned out into the street at once."
    Abraham Lincoln was no stranger to acrimonious public debate. He rose slowly to his feet, clutching his lapels casually. To those who knew, the mood indicated by the droop in his eyes—hiding their cold gaze—did not bode well for his opponents. The instant Palmerston paused for breath, Lincoln's high, penetrating voice echoed from the chamber's wall.
    "I believe that the British representative is laboring under a self-imposed delusion, for which I apologize to all of the other delegates present. He should know that all of the nations gathered here were invited officially by King Leopold of Belgium himself. It is a most solemn and important gathering that we attend, for this is no provincial European occasion, but is instead a congress of countries who meet together to discuss matters of world importance. As Britain represents a world-embracing empire, so do we speak for the New World and its countries across the Atlantic Ocean—"
    "Your comparisons are odious, sir!" Palmerston bellowed. "How dare you compare the sweep of the British Empire, the might of our world-spanning union, with your ragtag so-called democracies?"
    "How dare you single out General Sherman, a brave soldier, for denigration when I see a plethora of uniforms about this room. And please tell me, is that not a general sitting close behind you?"
    Palmerston, livid with rage, would have none of it. "You presume too much to speak to me in this manner—"
    "Presume, sir? I presume nothing. In fact, I control my impatience as I address the person who was so presumptuous, so rash, that he dared to send armies to attack our peace-loving country. That was an act of war that did not go unpunished. However, it is my greatest hope that the nations convened here will not think of the past and of war. Instead we should look forward to peace in a peaceful future."
    Palmerston was beside himself. He crashed his cane again and again across the tabletop until the shocked voices of protest had died away.
    "Her Majesty's representatives did not come here to be insulted," Palmerston bellowed. "It would be our pleasure to join the other representatives in a congress of mutual cooperation at some other time. But not here, not today, while these totally repugnant foreign intruders are present in this hall. I am therefore forced to wish you all a good day."
    He stalked from the room, his dramatic exit hampered by a stumbling progress caused by his swollen foot, while most of the other members of the delegation hurried after him. The door slammed shut and Lincoln nodded sagely. He slowly regained his seat. "I think the clerk can continue now," he said.
    The clerk began to read in a shaky voice until Baron de Chokier interrupted him. "I believe these proceedings should continue after a brief recess. If you please, gentlemen, in an hour's time."
    "Got a mighty fierce temper for an old man," Lincoln observed. "I wonder he didn't explode years ago."
    "It must have all been prearranged," Fox said, looking worried. "King Leopold is Queen Victoria's favorite uncle and she looks up to him for advice and counseling. Knowing this, her prime minister could not easily refuse the invitation. But coming here was one thing for Palmerston; staying and talking peace with Yankees something altogether different. But now that they have shown their flag—"
    "And retreated after the first engagement," Lincoln said. "Can we proceed without their presence?"
    "We can," Pierce responded. "But I doubt if we will get very far. The British royal family is related to half the crowned heads in Europe and exercises a great deal of influence. Palmerston will of course report to the Queen and blame us for everything that has occurred here today. It is inconceivable that this congress can continue after Queen