“Perhaps not. But you let other people murder for you.”
“It’s a lie!”
“Then speak out—explain.”
She wrung her hands and with a groan protested: “I can’t! I can’t!”
“Why? What prevents you from telling me all you know about this business, the things Beaumagnan revealed to you?” he urged.
“I should prefer not to let you get mixed up in this affair, not to let you oppose that man,” she said earnestly.
He burst out laughing. “You’re frightened on my account, perhaps?” he jeered. “A fine excuse! Reassure yourself, Josine. I’m not afraid of Beaumagnan. There’s another adversary I fear much more than him.”
“Who’s that?” she said quickly.
“You.”
He repeated in harsher accents: “You, my dear. And that’s the reason why I’m so keen on getting the thing clear. When I shall really see you clearly, I shall no longer fear you. Have you made up your mind?”