"Take care, Monsieur, that I do not choose the block. I am not wholly without courage."
"Pardon me! Jealousy has an evil sting. I ask you to pardon me. Besides, it was evident that you had some definite purpose in trifling with the Chevalier. Well, he is out of the game."
"Do you know what brought him here?" veering into a new channel to lull the vicomte's caution. She had an idea.
"I do; but it would not sound pleasant in your ears."
"He followed …"
"A woman?" with quick anticipation. "I do not say so. I brought him into our conversation merely to prove to you that I was more in your confidence than you dreamed of."
Madame drew her fingers across her brow.
"Does any one else know that you have this paper?" Madame manoeuvered her chair, bringing it as close as possible to the table. Less than three feet intervened between her and the vicomte.
"You and I alone are in the secret, Madame."
"If I should call for help?"