“If,” said Steinmetz, looking from one to the other, “if you two have been deceiving Paul I will have no mercy, I warn you of that.”
Etta turned on him.
“Can you not believe me?” she cried. “I have practised no deception in common with M. de Chauxville.”
“The Charity League is quite enough for you, my friend,” put in the Frenchman hurriedly.
“You know no more of the Charity League than you did before—than the whole world knew before—except this lady’s share in the disposal of the papers,” said Steinmetz.
“And this lady’s share in the disposal of the papers will not be welcome news to the prince,” answered De Chauxville.
“Welcome or unwelcome, he shall be told of it to-night.”
Etta looked round sharply, her lips apart and trembling.
“By whom?” asked De Chauxville.
“By me,” replied Steinmetz.