“A fanatic you mean against the Government?”
“Against the Emperor. We have fought once for that, and he nearly killed me. But we shall fight again, and then I shall win.”
“How do you know that?”
“It is fate, your honour; and, besides, I have practised.”
The combination of fatalism and deliberate preparation tickled me, and I smiled.
“And you were afraid for my life then?”
“Not yours only, your honour, not yours only; but mademoiselle and M. Boreski’s also.”
“Mademoiselle’s?” I cried with a start. “How and why?”
“I crave your—your honour’s pardon, but I may not speak of my mistress’s affairs.”
“I am her friend as staunchly as you can be, Ivan; and if you can tell me anything without speaking of her private affairs, do so.”