"
"If we could inveigle him into the Russian lines he would be shot or
hanged as a traitor. He is a Russian subject in arms against his
Czar."
"It would be difficult, I fear, to get him into Russian hands."
"Some stratagem might accomplish it. You have agents at work, you say,
in the Crimea?"
"They can go there."
"Put me in communication with them, and leave it all to me."
"You will place me under another onerous obligation, Hippolyte."
"No, thanks. I am about to ask a favour in return. You can help me, I
think."
"Yes? Command me."
"You have many acquaintances in London; your late husband's friends
were military men. I want a little information at times."
Mrs. Wilders looked at him curiously.
"Why don't you call things by their right names? You would like to
employ me as a spy--is that what you mean?"
"Well, if you like to put it so, yes. I suppose I can count upon you?"
"I am sorry not to be able to oblige you, but I am afraid I must say
no."
"You are growing squeamish, Cyprienne, in your old age. To think of
your having scruples!"
"I despise your sneers. It does not suit me to do what you wish,
that's all; it would be unsafe."
"What have you to lose?"
"All this." She waved her hand round the prettily-furnished room.
"Lord Essendine has been very kind to me, and if there were any
suspicions--if any rumour got about that I was employed by or for
you--he would certainly withdraw the income he gives me.
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