“Yes, you mistrust me, as you do every one else. I do not blame you for it. It is a sign of prudence. Though, all the same, you have nothing to fear from me, and neither have I from you.”
“Oh! Baroness, you know that I belong to you, body and soul,” exclaimed Lichtenbach.
“Yes, yes, and you would not be sorry if the converse were true, would you?” interrupted the young woman, with a mocking smile.
The banker’s pale face lit up with passion; he drew near the Baroness, and, taking her hand within his own, said—
“And yet, Sophia, if you would only—”
Withdrawing her hand, she tossed her head with an air of disdain, and replied—
“Yes, but I will not, there!”
“Never?”
“Who can tell? If ever I am in great pecuniary difficulties, perhaps I may apply to you. Would you advance me money, Lichtenbach, if I needed any?”
As she spoke she looked at the banker with a bewitching glance and a smile full of promise. The latter, as soon as mention was made of money, regained possession of himself. Placing his hand on her lap, he said, in a tone of assurance—