Her eyes said more than her words then and I gave the assurance they sought.
“If I understand you, pray be quite at rest. Since we parted you have lived your life and I have lived mine—and our memories do not go behind that new life.” I meant that if she did not wish me to give her away, I did not want that old boyish intrigue of mine raked up. She was relieved by the assurance, and could not hide the feeling.
“I was sure of that, of course,” she answered with a scarcely perceptible sigh of relief. “It does not affect your purpose here.”
“How could it?”
“Of course your agents have been making inquiries about everything here, and I suppose you know something of my position and influence. I am a rich woman, Mr. Bergwyn, and stand high in the confidence of many people in Belgrade.”
“I had heard of the Baroness von Tulken as one enjoying considerable influence at Court.”
“Yes, I have influence; and even if I had found you a stranger I intended to place it entirely at your service. Need I say how much more I should wish to do so, seeing you are who you are.”
“I thought we were not to remember that.”
“How precise you men of business are!” she laughed. “Well, do you accept my offer?”
“I should be charmed, of course, and if the need arises I shall instantly remember your promise.”