“Assuredly. Of course, Carter. There is a reason. We have it set down in our dossier of her in the books; there it is a cut and dried opinion; just a practical one. Perhaps that is the answer you want to your question.”
“Perhaps it is. Let me hear it.”
“Wait. I will send for the book.”
“No. Tell me about it, and her, first. I would rather have your version of it. Later, if you will permit it I will read the dossier.”
“Assuredly you shall read it.”
“Now, what is that cut and dried reason? Tell me that. I have an idea that it will supply some sort of a pointer in the investigation I am making.”
“Possibly. Who knows? I have just told you that she might have had her pick of titles, here in France; or Austria; or Germany; or Italy; or even in Russia. Everybody who came in contact with her fell in love with her. She has been the ruin of a score of good men in the secret police of several countries. Two of my own men committed suicide because of her. She led them to betray their trusts, and so, dishonored them. Ah, she is a wonder, that woman! That leopard!”
“But that is not the reason you spoke about for her not marrying.”
“No, it is this. There was a Duc de Luvois—a rich man with an honored name, which he offered to bestow upon her, together with his fortune. He laid them both at her feet, and she refused them and him. It was her reply to him that is used now in the dossier, as the reason why she will never marry.”