"No, no! Ah, no!"
"It would, then, certainly be a sacrifice for you to marry him."
"I would never do that."
"How, then, could you persuade him to use his influence?"
"It is a case of diamond cut diamond," explained Katinka, with the indifference of a woman to all other honour, save that of the man she loves. "Paul Petrovitch wishes to marry me. If I agree, he will induce the Czar to reinstate you in your possessions. When you have made your peace at St. Petersburg, I could refuse to---- Oh!" she broke off with a confused laugh, "do not look shocked, M. Demetrius. I but trick him, as he is prepared to trick me."
"I am far from being shocked," denied the liberal-minded doctor; "to prevent being bitten, we must bite. But the possible sacrifice----"
"Lies in lending myself to such a trick. I make it for you--for you; yes, do you not understand?"
Only that stupid animal, a sheep, could have refused comprehension.
"I am not worthy," shuffled Demetrius, hurriedly.
"I think you are," she breathed tenderly. "Will you not permit me to prove my belief?"