He stood beside me, and rested his long, thin fingers lightly on my shoulder.
"No country can pay better than Russia for secret service, madame," he repeated, with emphasis.
"It is not to be thought of," I answered, hesitatingly.
"Think what Russia would pay for your services, you in the heart of the secrets of diplomatic France."
"Not sufficient to destroy my patriotism," I said, lest it should seem that I yielded too easily.
"The ardor of one's patriotism regulates one's price," he responded. "Think what would they not pay you."
"Tush!" I cried; "this is foolishness. You wish to tempt me to place myself in your power, for fear I may yet prove dangerous. What authority do you possess to make promises for Russia? It is childish; I will go."
I moved to rise from my seat, but he restrained me.
"You are a clever woman," he said, "and that is why I would have you on our side. I tell you frankly that your value would be incalculable to Russia—to the Russian party in China. On behalf of Russia, I can make the payment whatever you desire."
"It is difficult to believe, mon ami," I replied, with a laugh, and I looked him in the face now, for a little excitement was pardonable. "The protestations you made earlier in the evening have proved too false to inspire confidence."