“But doubtless he gave you the information by the help of which Hans succeeded in his enterprise.”
“He did certainly give it me, a couple of hours ago. The execution has been concomitant with the revelation, so to speak. By what miracle could I, who have not stirred from here, have informed the one who entered the laboratory, and rid himself of his spy? This latter will not speak, as he is dead! The laboratory will be found ransacked and in disorder. Very good! Have there not taken place to-day, at the works, sufficient events in which several rascals have been implicated, without there being any need to charge me with a deed so much more likely to have been wrought by any of them? If I leave I shall be suspected. Why have I taken to flight? How is it I have left no explanation of my departure? What has become of me? Then, afterwards, what and who am I? Whilst if I remain quietly here with Milona, Marcel returns, finds me serene and calm, and everything is safe. Is the arrangement not a good one?”
Cesare smiled, and, in ironical tones, said—
“Very good, indeed; too good, in fact!”
Sophia frowned.
“What do you mean?”
Drawing near her, with subtle grace, and still bent on adopting gentle means, he said—
“Have you no longer confidence in me, cara? Why are you trying to deceive me?”
“In what way, may I ask?”
“You are not telling me the truth. This is the first time you have played me false, Sophia.”