“Perhaps; he may have a conscience less clear than yours.”
“Poor fellow!”
“Pity him, if you like; but if he is taken, there is no need for you to be taken too.”
“What interest have you in protecting me?” asked she. “It is not natural for a man like you.”
“I would not lose time if I were you; they are very likely to seek you here, finding you do not return.”
“How should they know I am here?”
“Are you not always here? My carriage is close by, if you will come with me. But I see you doubt still.”
“Yes.”
“Well, we will commit an imprudence to convince you. We will drive past your house, and when you have seen these gentlemen there, I think you will better appreciate my good offices.”
He led her to the carriage, and drove to the Rue Dauphine, at the corner of which they passed Beausire. Had Oliva seen him, doubtless she would have abandoned everything to fly with him and share his fate, whatever it might be; but Cagliostro, who did see him, took care to engage her attention by showing her the crowd, which was already in sight, and which was waiting to see what the police would do.