Chapter Forty Three.
The Last Appeal.
“I have news for you, nina.”
It is Colonel Miranda speaking to his sister, shortly after the conversation reported.
“What news, Valerian?”
“Well, there are two sorts of them.”
“Both good, I hope.”
“Not altogether; one will be pleasant to you, the other, perhaps, a little painful.”
“In that case they should neutralise one another; anyhow, let me hear them.”