"Very well, Ling Wen," I answered; "I will learn diplomacy from you, and
put a good face upon the matter."
"It is the truest wisdom to accept the inevitable with complacency," he
murmured.
"You may see me to my carriage."
"I would that our ambitions were the same," he said, as he unlocked and
opened the door. "I am humiliated in refusing you."
"Where there are victors there must be vanquished," I answered, as one
who spoke a platitude, for I was disheartened and wretched at my
failure.
He took my hand, and raised it to his lips.
"_Au revoir_, madame."
"Perhaps France can pay more than Russia, Ling Wen?" and I looked at him
inquiringly.
"No country can pay better than Russia for secret service, madame," he
answered; and then a dull sparkle came into his narrow eyes, and he
pushed the door to, and laid his hand upon my arm.
"Sit down," he said, and I walked with him, my eyes cast down upon the
carpet, fearful lest he should see the triumph glowing in them; with a
grain of fortune, the victory yet was mine.
The inspiration came to me, clear as the noonday sun, when he opened the
door for me to leave.
I trembled lest he should detect the new color rising in my cheeks, and
with my glance still cast down, I took my seat again, and waited.
He stood beside me, and rested his long, thin fingers lightly on my
shoulder.
"No country can pay better than Russia for secret service, madame," he
repeated, with emphasis.
"It is not to be thought of," I answered, hesitatingly.
"Think what Russia would pay for your services, you in the heart of the
secrets of diplomatic France."
"Not sufficient to destroy my patriotism," I said, lest it should seem
that I yielded too easily.
"The ardor of one's patriotism regulates one's price," he responded.
"Think what would they not pay you."
"Tush!" I cried; "this is foolishness. You wish to tempt me to place
myself in your power, for fear I may yet prove dangerous. What authority
do you possess to make promises for Russia? It is childish; I will go."