“It is all very interesting, but there is one question which a business man would put—a man looking of course to his own interests only. If those who are with me in this joined in this scheme, would the Russian influence go so far as to guarantee the loan?”
“Do you think I can pledge the Russian Government?”
“Scarcely that, perhaps, but in such a case you may have some influence.”
She laughed very musically. “You are much quicker than you used to be. Chase—I beg your pardon, Mr. Bergwyn—you think I am a Russian agent. Well, you are right. I am. My husband, the Baron, was one.”
“Was?”
“He is dead. Of course you know that.”
“Your pardon; I did not. And you told your people, of course, that you were coming to see me?”
Again she understood me; and again she laughed. “Yes. I told them it was possible I might have some influence with you—some personal influence, of course.” She paused and added, slowly: “But I see now that I was wrong.”
“At any rate I think we may now say we understand each other and this matter,” I said as I rose.
“You will join us? There is no other way to make your interests safe. Russian influence is paramount.”