A flash went from Randal’s eyes, and he mused a few moments.
Then slowly rising, and drawing on his gloves, he said, “Well, at least you so far reconcile my honour towards aiding your research, that you now inform me you mean no ill to the exile.”
“Ill!—the restoration to fortune, honours, his native land!”
“And you so far enlist my heart on your side, that you inspire me with the hope to contribute to the happiness of two friends whom I dearly love. I will, therefore, diligently try to ascertain if, among the refugees I have met with, lurk those whom you seek; and if so, I will thoughtfully consider how to give you the clew. Meanwhile, not one incautious word to Egerton.”
“Trust me,—I am a woman of the world.”
Randal now had gained the door. He paused, and renewed carelessly,—
“This young lady must be heiress to great wealth, to induce a man of your brother’s rank to take so much pains to discover her.”
“Her wealth will be vast,” replied the marchesa; “and if anything from wealth or influence in a foreign State could be permitted to prove my brother’s gratitude—”
“Ah, fie!” interrupted Randal; and, approaching Madame di Negra, he lifted her hand to his lips, and said gallantly, “This is reward enough to your preux chevalier.”
With those words he took his leave.