"Perhaps I am hasty, Miguel, but there is a limit, even between——" He was going to say friends but Miguel interposed accomplices. "Well," said Molara, "I do not care what you call it. What is your proposition?"
"The Philistines," replied Miguel, "spoiled Samson, but Delilah had to cut his hair first."
"Do you mean that she should implore him to hold his hand?"
"No, I think that would be useless, but if he were compromised——"
"But she, she would not consent. It would involve her."
"She need not necessarily know. Another object for making his acquaintance might be suggested. It would come as a surprise to her."
"You are a scoundrel—an infernal scoundrel," said the President quietly.
Miguel smiled, as one who receives a compliment. "The matter," he said, "is too serious for the ordinary rules of decency and honour. Special cases demand special remedies."
"She would never forgive me."
"The forgiveness would rest with you. Your charity would enable you to pardon an uncommitted crime. You have only to play the jealous husband and own your mistake later on."