“I don’t disguise from myself, or from you,” I went on, “that the prospect before us is more than doubtful. The risks we have run already are, it may be, trifles compared with the risks that threaten us in the future, but the venture shall be tried, Marian, for all that. I am not rash enough to measure myself against such a man as the Count before I am well prepared for him. I have learnt patience⁠—I can wait my time. Let him believe that his message has produced its effect⁠—let him know nothing of us, and hear nothing of us⁠—let us give him full time to feel secure⁠—his own boastful nature, unless I seriously mistake him, will hasten that result. This is one reason for waiting, but there is another more important still. My position, Marian, towards you and towards Laura ought to be a stronger one than it is now before I try our last chance.”

She leaned near to me, with a look of surprise.

“How can it be stronger?” she asked.