“Because to seek to overthrow Morini at this moment is against our interests.”
“Oh!” laughed the other. “So you have just discovered that fact, have you? It is against your interest, of course, because you intend to marry his daughter; but not against mine.”
“I tell you that no revelation must be attempted,” said Dubard firmly.
“But why do you say this? What is there to prevent the question being put and the Ministry criticised?”
“It is unwise. It would be a serious blunder on your part.”
“And yet you have assisted me! My dear Jules, I don’t really understand you! Do you not recollect what we arranged in London when our reconciliation took place? Have you forgotten what we agreed only the day before yesterday?”
“I have forgotten nothing. I only speak plainly, and say that by making the revelations at the present moment you will imperil your own position.”
“No. I shall become Minister on Morini’s downfall. All is arranged. I am not the man to pick the chestnuts out of the fire for others—you surely know that?”
“But will you not be incriminated in the matter of certain secret commissions? Did you not rather unfortunately arrange matters and act as the go-between?”
“Of course. But I shall be careful enough that my own interest in the matter does not appear. The Minister of Justice is no friend of Morini,” he added, with a grin upon his thin, hard features.