“If you authorise the process.”
“She knows nothing as yet of this amiable scheme to disenchant her?”
“Nothing. But the ground is all prepared.”
“You do not, sir, imply for a moment that my daughter——”
“Mademoiselle is as guiltless as the angels. I stake my soul on it.”
“I should have preferred something of more value. But let that pass.”
“You approve the scheme, then?”
“If necessary. But I trust that folly is ended; that all will be well henceforth. Nevertheless I applaud your true vigilance, my friend.”
“Upon my conscience, monseigneur, I think you should. Admit that I have manœuvred well both to circumvent scandal, and to make his own treachery recoil on the head of the betrayer.”
“That I could hold that forfeit. But the charge is too shadowy; and he is the archduke’s protégé. Still, the time may come. Now, the man must be got rid of—and without delay.”