“Because if that event is allowed to receive an innocent interpretation, it will be still easier to explain away the kiss given by her at the masquerade. It was simply a reward for service done to the State. No, no, Baroness; it must be our duty to see that her return to Alexander is made an impossibility, and as matters are at present the way is still open for a reconciliation between them.”
“What, then, do you advise?”
“Why, this. Let her remain here for a time in concealment. She’ll not object. She is evidently in love with Lord Courtenay; he with her. Let matters, then, take their natural course. Isn’t it to your interest to promote this love affair?”
“Didn’t you tell Lord Courtenay last night who she was?”
“I kept it a secret for—for reasons.”
“Lord Courtenay is a man of honour. When he learns the truth his love will cease.”
“Just so, and therefore we must not let him know the truth, till—till it be too late.”
“You talk foolishly. How can he be kept any longer in ignorance?”
Beauvais smiled mysteriously and triumphantly.
“My dear Baroness, everything is working beautifully for our ends, so beautifully that I am tempted almost to think that Providence——”