“Impossible. The whole matter is arranged. All the Socialist deputies are in their places awaiting the bolt to be launched.”
“Then let them wait. It shall not be launched to-day,” replied Dubard in a clear, distinct voice.
“But it shall?” exclaimed Borselli. “It has taken me nearly three years to complete preparations for this coup, and I do not intend to abandon it merely because you hint mysteriously that it is premature. I speak quite candidly upon this point.”
“And I speak equally candidly when I tell you that Montebruno must not put the question to the Chamber. There are reasons—serious reasons.”
He said nothing of his compact with Mary or of his demand of His Excellency for her hand.
“And what are they, pray?”
“Well,”—and he hesitated. “Well, if the coup is made at the present moment you will merely imperil yourself, that is all I can say. Morini will retaliate, and charge you with certain things which will place you in a very awkward position.”
A silence fell between the two men. Borselli was reflecting upon a certain agreement at which they had arrived when in London.
“I really can’t understand you, Jules,” he exclaimed at last. “You have rendered us the most valuable assistance until the present moment, and now, when all is prepared, you suddenly withdraw and make mysterious hints that our efforts may result in serious consequences. What do you mean?”
“I mean that the revelations are premature.”