"And you, too, think this is revenge?" he asked.
"What other motive could she have?" I answered.
He closed his eyes, a moment; lest, I suppose, his amused contempt
would shine out so plainly that even stupid I would see it. He was
sure, now, he had been right in deeming me too heavy-witted to suspect
him.
"It might be blackmail," he suggested.
"Then, she is a very long time in naming her price," I replied.
"True; but, maybe, she is enjoying Dornlitz," he laughed.
I laughed, too.
"It's none of my business, of course, Armand," he went on, "but, why
don't you run her out of the Kingdom, instead of keeping her in by
force."
"I'm waiting for her to get tired of the game and quit."
He thought a bit.
"Maybe, I can help you," he said.
I had not Lotzen's gift of imperturbability but I did my best not to
show my surprise.
"You are very kind," I answered; "though I don't see what you can do."
"I may take it you have no particular--regard for the lady?" he asked.
"Indeed, you may!"
"So you would have no objection to someone making a--try at her?"
"None whatever, I assure you. As many someones and as many tries as
you wish--and may they all win.
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