He is grateful for our hospitality, he is
grateful to you, he is grateful to everybody. How much shall we
believe?"
"Not more than is necessary."
"Montlivet, be frank. What do you make of the man?"
I looked down. "He is a compelling man. He has a hero's frame."
"I am not blind. I asked what the frame housed."
With hate in my throat I tried to speak justly. "He has an intelligent
mind, but a coward's spirit. I think the two elements war in him
ceaselessly. I would not trust him, monsieur. Is he on friendly terms
with Pemaou now?"
"I do not know."
"I wish you would find out for me. You have agents."
"Madame de Montlivet could tell you."
I felt Cadillac's eyes. "I shall not question Madame de Montlivet
about her cousin."
Perhaps my tone was weary. It is hard to hold up a shield night and
day. I was conscious that Cadillac's look altered. He withdrew his
glance; he pushed a hand toward me.
"It is a shame, Montlivet."
"Shall we let it go without discussion, monsieur?"
"No. Montlivet, you are more a fool than any man I ever knew. You
have more strained ideas. You are preposterous. You belong to the
Middle Ages. Every one says so. Let me speak.
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