‘You mean that I should steal this two hundred millions!’ I gasped.
‘That will be the best plan, I think,’ said Madame Humbert with an
approving nod.
I have been concerned in some curious transactions in my time, and
in some dangerous ones, but now I felt that I was fairly out of
my depth. I knew that I was nothing to Thérèse Humbert; and if it
suited her convenience to use me as a cat’s-paw in the game she was
playing with the authorities I might very well find myself in an ugly
situation.
What, for example, could be easier than for this accomplished
intriguer to set a trap for me; have me arrested, perhaps, in the
attempt to break into an empty safe, and thus establish a defence for
herself? She would be able to pose as the victim of a robbery; and I
should be held responsible for the disappearance of these millions
whose existence was in dispute.
I felt my companion’s eyes fixed on my face in watchful scrutiny
as these reflections passed through my mind. My decision was taken
swiftly.
‘You shall hear from me in the morning, madame,’ I said sharply,
rising from my seat. ‘Till then, _au revoir_.’
And I went out of the room, and out of the house, without giving her
an opportunity to press me further.
When the morning came I was seated in my office as usual, engaged in
deciphering a confidential cable from the President of Colombia, when
my secretary entered the room and informed me that a veiled lady, who
declined to give her name, wished to see me in private.
‘Show Madame Humbert in,’ I said, emphasising the name.
[Illustration: “My visitor started as she heard her name, and threw
up her veil with a gesture of astonishment and indignation.”]
The secretary, who understood what was required of him, went out,
and immediately returned with the visitor.
‘Madame Humbert,’ he announced with as much confidence as if the
great Thérèse had intrusted him with her card.
On the previous night Madame Humbert had enjoyed the superiority over
me, I confess it. This morning the tables were turned, and I had
brought off the first _coup_.
My visitor started as she heard her name, and threw up her veil with
a gesture of astonishment and indignation combined.
‘Madame Humbert!’ I cried, pretending to be equally surprised. Then,
as the secretary retired, I added--‘This publicity, is it quite
prudent, my dear madame?’
Thérèse gave me a glance in which I read something like fear, as she
dropped into a seat.
‘But I don’t understand, Monsieur V----. I don’t know how that young
man learned who I was.’