‘Ha, ha!’ she laughed, ‘you despise my clients because I warned you that there was nothing to earn; but listen! My two widows are rich, you will be well paid, and shall be even paid in advance, if you wish.’
I saw my servant coming in the distance; I rose and answered the chattering woman in a fearless and resolute tone.
‘No, you do not know me, I am a man of honour....’
Then she took my hand and spoke gravely.
‘Well done! Continue always in the same mind.’
‘Ah!’ I exclaimed, ‘you change your tone now?’
‘Yes,’ she replied, ‘and the tone I take now is much better than the one I have been using. Our conversation has been somewhat mysterious; remember it and see that you speak to no one about it. Good-bye, sir. Always be wise, be always honourable, and you will be satisfied with the result.’
She went away, and I was left in the greatest astonishment. I did not know what all this meant; but I learned later that she was a spy and had come to sound me; yet I never knew, nor wished to know, who sent her to me.
