"What is it?" I returned, suspiciously, instantly on my guard again.
"Who is Mr. Smith?"
"A Norwegian." And I explained Smith's business with the Swiss
government.
She nodded absently. Probably she did not believe this. As far as that
was concerned, neither did I.
"Answer me a question, will you, Countess?" said I in my turn. She
smiled: "What is it?"
"Is your kiss really worth the information you extract from me?"
In spite of her light laughter she turned quite pink, and when I bent
toward her again, she laid her arm across her lips, defending them.
Then, as I was preparing for further indiscretion, the door behind us
opened and was closed again instantly. I knew it was Thusis. The
certainty chilled my very bones.
"Who was it?" I asked carelessly.
"Only the waitress," said she.
"The red-haired one?"
"I believe so. Is she Swiss?"