“And all your wealth you have got through us. This is your gratitude to those who gave you the chance of becoming a rich man. But you cannot be serious. Consider, my friend. You are rich and we can add to your riches; upon my recommendation you will receive honors.”
“But in receiving honors I shall lose my own. I cannot do this thing, and nothing you can say will make me change my decision.”
The Baron was a keen judge of human nature, and knew when he was beaten, so he made no further effort to persuade Bouvais.
“You can go back to Brussels. I will report upon your disobedience,” he said coldly.
Bouvais bowed slightly, and without another word left the room. He was like dozens of his fellow-countrymen, who think nothing of killing off and torturing a native, yet would hesitate to commit deliberate perjury.
The Baron was thoroughly irritated by his lack of success, and, for a while, paced restlessly up and down the room until he was interrupted by the entrance of a waiter.
“Mr. Weiss is here, sir.”
“I cannot see him. Say that I am engaged,” the Baron said impatiently.
“I rather expected that, so I took the precaution of coming up,” Weiss said from the doorway, and strolled in.
There was a glitter of anger in his eyes, but his manner was very calm and collected.