news—to put you in the way of gaining fifty thousand francs—or even more—if you like.”
He inquired, suddenly softening, “How so? What do you mean?”
“I caught, by chance, yesterday evening, some words between my husband and Laroche-Mathieu. They do not, besides, trouble themselves to hide much from me. But Walter recommended the Minister not to let you into the secret, as you would reveal everything.”
Du Roy had put his hat down on a chair, and was waiting very attentively.
“What is up, then?” said he.
“They are going to take possession of Morocco.”
“Nonsense! I lunched with Laroche-Mathieu, who almost dictated to me the intention of the Cabinet.”
“No, darling, they are humbugging you, because they were afraid lest their plan should be known.”
“Sit down,” said George, and sat down himself in an armchair. Then she drew towards him a low stool, and sitting down on it between his knees, went on in a coaxing tone, “As I am always thinking about you, I pay attention now to everything that is whispered around me.”
And she began quietly to explain to him how she had guessed for some time past that something was being hatched unknown to him; that they were making use of him, while dreading his cooperation. She said, “You know, when one is in love, one grows cunning.”
At length, the day before, she had understood it all. It was a business transaction, a thumping affair, worked out on the quiet. She smiled now,