At that she dropped her hands and stepped back.
'Is this to bury misunderstanding?' she cried low. 'O, I would I were Duchess of Milan.'
'More impossible things might happen,' he said thickly, for all his self-control.
She stared at him fascinated a moment; then swiftly advanced again.
'Let me keep the ring,' she urged hoarsely. 'I could set something against it—some knowledge—some information.'
He had mastered himself in the interval; and now stood pondering upon her and fondling his chin.
'Yes?' he murmured. 'But it must be something to be worth.'
She hesitated; then spoke out:—
'A plot to kill the Duke—no more.'
The two stared at one another. She could see a pulse moving in his throat; but when at last he spoke, it was without emotion.