“Why did you associate with a woman of such doubtful reputation as Sonia Korolénko?” I asked abruptly at last.
“Because I wished to ascertain something,” she replied, in a harsh voice.
“She is scarcely your friend,” I observed.
“She is,” she declared. “I have known her for several years.”
“And you were actually aware of her true character while associating with her!” I exclaimed, rather surprised.
“Of course,” she sighed. “She is an adventuress, I know; nevertheless, she has proved my friend on many occasions.”
“That’s curious,” I remarked.
“Why?”
“Because she made certain allegations against you,” I answered.
“Yes,” she said, without betraying either anger or surprise. “I am fully aware of that. Strange though it may appear, her statements were made with a definite object.”