DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND.
The room to which the general led the count was a study. Don Sebastian pointed to a chair, and took another himself. There was a moment's silence, during which the two men examined each other carefully. On passing the study threshold, both doffed that gaiety they had imprinted on their faces, to assume a severe and thoughtful look, harmonising better with the grave questions they were probably about to discuss.
"I am waiting, señor conde," the general at length said, "till it please you to explain yourself."
"I hesitate to do so, general," Don Louis answered.
"You hesitate, count!"
"Yes, because, in what I have to say to you, there are some matters so delicate that I almost fear to approach them."
The general was mistaken as to the meaning of the count's words. How could he understand the exquisite delicacy that dictated them?
"You can speak without fear," he said; "no one can hear you. Precautions have been taken, so that nothing said in this room can transpire outside. Banish then, I implore you, all reserve, and explain yourself frankly."
"I will do so, as you demand it; indeed, it is, perhaps, better that it should be so. In this way, I shall know at once what I have to hope or fear."
"You are bound to hope everything from me," the general said in an insinuating voice. "I wish you no harm; on the contrary, I desire to serve you; and to give you an example of frankness, I will begin by declaring to you, that your fate depends on yourself alone, and that the success or ruin of your enterprise is in your own hands."