"How much is my secret worth to you?" she asked.
"All the wealth in the world, if I had it, but I am penniless. I can not buy your secret," Kathleen answered, sadly.
Fedora came nearer and whispered in her ear:
"If I tell you the truth, will you help me to escape?"
"I could not do it if I wished to do so ever so much. It would take money, and I have already told you I have none."
The voice was cold and dull. Kathleen began to realize how hopeless was her mission. The cruel, calculating woman before her had no pity for her misery.
But Fedora was scheming in her mind how to turn her secret to account. She hated Kathleen too bitterly to show her any kindness; but if she could pay for the secret she wanted so badly, why, let her have it.
She looked at Kathleen with a cunning expression.
"There is one condition on which I will tell you what you want to know."
"I have already told you that I have no money."