"I think you are one who can be trusted," he replied. "In fact, on that I would stake my life; but—" He hesitated.
"But what?" I inquired.
"I pray you not to take offence," my kind friend went on; "but why should I not tell you? The manner of your joining us was certainly most strange, and in some minds has excited a suspicion. That there have been spies among us, I know well; but you—"
I interrupted him. "Believe me, my dear friend, I would rather die than betray a single word of what I have heard or know by being told. But listen"—I spoke earnestly and slowly—"one can be honest with a friend. I truly doubt the ultimate success of any scheming to restore the old French régime. I have thought everything over carefully, and have come to a decision, my first statement put aside."
Monsieur de Brissac said nothing, but stood there listening, with one elbow on the mantel-piece, whilst I continued speaking. It was some minutes before I had finished, but I told him frankly of my position, and what I considered right for me to do. He was most attentive, and although once or twice I saw that he felt like making some interruption, he restrained himself.
"I shall not ask," he said at last, "why you did not tell me this thing before; but, believe me, even at this late hour, monsieur, I appreciate the confidence that you have placed in me. As to your misgivings in regard to our attempts to restore the better things, I shall say nothing. If you have weighed carefully the matter, I shall not attempt to dissuade you. But one thing, spoken as a friend, I must tell you: Do not, for your life, breathe a word of this to De Senez or to any of the others."
"Tell me, what am I to do?" I asked. "I am in your power—your hands."
"It would be wrong," the Marquis replied, musingly, but with a sad tone in his words, "not to help you, aside from the requirements of friendship. So do not fear."
"I do not fear; I do not fear," I reiterated. "But what shall I do?"
"You must come with us to France," Monsieur de Brissac answered, speaking in the same low tone of voice. "Despite the embargo laid on trade and importations by the usurper, money works corruption, corruption means many things. It is a known fact that licenses to enter French ports have been sold to both American and English vessels. You are not safe in this country. Come with us to where danger will be no less, but chances to follow your own ideas the better. I can explain that you have left for some French port when you leave us, and if you do not return, I shall join in the mourning, that is all. We will increase our party by one in order to keep up the original number. I shall let you know to-night how we intend to leave England. Good-by, until this evening. Au revoir, monsieur."