“Except to launch thee and make possible thy career,” he corrected her very gently.
“I thought you were in love with me?”
“I have loved thee, Nihla, since thy childhood.”
“Is there anything on earth or in paradise, Ferez, that you would not sell for a price?”
“I tell thee——”
“Zut! I know thee, Ferez!” she mocked him, slipping easily into French. “What was my price? Who pays thee, Colonel Ferez? This big, shambling, world-wearied Count, who is, nevertheless, afraid of me? Did he pay thee? Or was it this rich American, Gerhardt? Or was it Von-der-Goltz? Or Excellenz?”
“Nihla! Thou knowest me——”
Her clear, untroubled laughter checked him:
“I know you, Ferez. That is why I ask. That is why I shall have no reply from you. Only my wits can ever answer me any questions.”