I looked at him keenly. While I thought that I understood his motive, I was far from feeling any confidence in him.
“I am not here to arrange marriages, monsieur,” I said calmly, “but to direct some business matters of my own.”
He smiled. “Twenty years ago, M. le Vicomte, you managed to accomplish both missions with conspicuous success.”
I was accustomed to these references to my romantic marriage, and accepted them in good part.
“I had a greater temptation then,” I said lightly.
“Nevertheless,” he continued persistently, “you cannot be without interest in the welfare of your friend; and I have heard that the young woman reciprocates his affection, and it is a genuine romance.”
“You are marvellously well informed, monsieur,” I replied serenely; “for my own part, I do not pretend to know so much of such delicate matters.”
“You tax my credulity, M. le Vicomte,” he said. “It is impossible for me to believe that a man of your sagacity can be both blind and deaf. M. de Lambert has made friends here, and we desire to see him happily united to Najine Zotof; but it is well in Russia to accomplish these things speedily and quietly. You doubtless understand me, monsieur. There are many who approve of the marriage; it is not impossible to accomplish now; later it might meet with grave opposition. I speak to you as M. de Lambert’s friend and natural adviser.”
“I thank you, monsieur,” I rejoined with composure; “but why should I counsel a Frenchman to contract a marriage which may meet such serious opposition?”
His face hardened, and he looked at me sternly.