“Oh, no enigma, cardinal; I speak of the queen, and of the diamonds which you bought yesterday of MM. Bœhmer and Bossange.”
“Countess!” cried he, growing pale.
“Oh, do not look so frightened,” continued she. “Did you not conclude your bargain yesterday?”
He did not speak, but looked uncomfortable, and half angry. She took his hand.
“Pardon, prince,” she said, “but I wished to show you your mistake about me; you believe me foolish and spiteful.”
“Oh, countess, now I understand you perfectly. I expected to find you a pretty woman and a clever one, but you are better than this. Listen to me: you have, you say, been willing to become my friend without loving me?”
“I repeat it,” replied she.
“Then you had some object?”
“Assuredly. Do you wish me to tell it to you?”
“No; I understand it. You wished to make my fortune; that once done, you are sure that my first care would be for yours. Am I right?”