“Why not?” queried Pérousse lightly;—“If the monarchy does not do as it is told, whip it like a naughty child and send it to bed. That has been easily arranged before now in history!”
The Marquis sat silent,—thinking, or rather brooding heavily. Should he, or should he not unburden himself of certain fears that oppressed his mind? He cleared his throat of a troublesome huskiness and began,—
“If the purely business transactions in which you are engaged——”
“And you also,” put in Pérousse placidly.
The Premier shifted his position uneasily and went on.
“I say, if the purely business transactions of this affair were publicly known——”
“As well expect Cabinet secrets to be posted on a hoarding in the open thoroughfare!” said Pérousse. “What afflicts you with these sudden pangs of distrust at your position? You have taken care to provide for all your own people! What more can you desire?”
Lutera hesitated; then he said slowly:—
“I think there is only one thing for me to do,—and that is to send in my resignation at once!”
Carl Pérousse raised himself a little out of his chair, and opened his narrow eyes.