years to come! For him, the right way is not the easy way.
The British officials of Constantinople have been most kind to me; as the only Englishwoman who knows the story of Angora, and has been near to the "heart" of the Turks; they hope I shall go to Lausanne.
But who will listen? From the beginning of time, has an Englishman ever asked a woman for her opinion, or listened to her if she expressed one, even after being consulted! Often, of course, a personality like Lady Hamilton's, may exert great influence; but men do not come to us for information or advice on policy however much we may know, however deeply and clearly we may think. I am still uncertain of how much our women may ever be allowed to effect in politics and diplomacy.
I once heard a story from a witty Frenchman, which "hits off" our men to a miracle! Their stubborn tenacity, which has never conceded an inch to women that was not dragged out of them by main force! A celebrated French Minister once came to London in hopes of securing a certain concession. When he had spent an hour explaining his case, our great personages briefly replied: "You might as well have asked us for a part of Hyde Park!" He tried again, for another hour, with precisely the same result. His reasons, any mutual advantages that might, or might not, accrue, were absolutely ignored. They only answered, "You might as well have asked us for Hyde Park!"
At Lausanne, unfortunately, there is every reason to fear that the English and the Turks are both adopting the method of not listening. It works, of course (so far as getting your own way), if one party is firmly in possession; but when the claim to control is in dispute, and neither can be induced to yield, one must feel that a little conciliation might be prudent.
Thinking it most unlikely that I shall have another
