"But the right to ask questions lies with me. You know that lady, who is she?"
"If she chooses to envelop herself in mystery, I am the last who should like to betray it."
"You are a political agent?"
"Perhaps! At all events I am very anxious to speak to her, and I have reason to suppose that you know where she may be found."
"Then you are mistaken."
"People say they saw her here in Prussia."
"That is quite possible; but--I do not know where she is staying."
The conversation on both sides was conducted curtly and antagonistically. As the amber merchant turned to go, Blanden called after him.
"You are in possession of a secret; chance made you acquainted with that nocturnal meeting."
"Chance?" said the amber merchant, turning round, "chance? Do you know if it was chance?"