“What a woman! She will have it he is in Homburg. And suppose we do find him, and you should not be welcome?”
“I shall not be unwelcome. I shall be a change.”
“Shall I tell you how to draw him to Homburg, wherever he is?” said Ashmead, very demurely.
“Yes, tell me that.”
“And do me a good turn into the bargain.”
“Is it possible? Can I be so fortunate?”
“Yes; and as you say, it is a slice of luck to be able to kill two birds with one stone. Why, consider—the way to recover a man is not to run after him, but to make him run to you. It is like catching moths; you don't run out into the garden after them; you light the candle and open the window, and they do the rest—as he will.”
“Yes, yes; but what am I to do for you?” asked Ina, getting a little uneasy and suspicious.
“What! didn't I tell you?” said Ashmead, with cool effrontery. “Why, only to sing for me in this little opera, that is all.” And he put his hands in his pockets, and awaited thunder-claps.
“Oh, that is all, is it?” said Ina, panting a little, and turning two great, reproachful eyes on him.