“If I do, will you then promise not to betray me?”

“If you do, I will devote all my craft, cunning, and boldness to the one purpose of making us rich; will put all means in motion, in order, when we are wealthy, to give you the happiness of living with your lover in some secluded corner of the world.”

“You do not say that you will not betray me.  Swear it.”

“I swear that I will betray to no human being who and what you are, as soon as you swear to remain what you are and to fulfill your duties.”

“Well then,” she groaned faintly, “I swear it:  I will remain what I am; I will make no attempt to fly from this life of disgrace and crime.”

“My dear Leonore,” he said kindly, “now we have taken our mutual vows and understand each other.  All differences are settled, and we are once more sure of each other.”

“Yes, we are sure of each other,” she repeated with a melancholy smile, slowly rising from her knees and drawing her figure proudly to its full height.  “I will take up my part again and you shall hear no more complaints from me, father.  Have you any further questions to ask?”

“Really,” he exclaimed, gazing at her with sparkling eyes, “really, you are an admirable woman.  Just now a despairing, penitent Magdalen, and once more a Judith ready for battle or a Delilah who is joyfully ready to cut Samson’s locks and deliver him to the Philistines.  Tell me, is there a Samson whom you will deliver to us?”

“More than one,” she cried; “for I tell you that there is a conspiracy, and I already know three of the members.  The object is to discover the others.  So give me time and trust me.”

“May I speak of it to the emperor now?”

“You may warn him, throw out hints, fix your price.  For as you have said, we must be rich to be free and happy.  Demand a high price of blood, that we may be rich.”

“Blood-money!  Then it is a very serious matter.  Blood will be shed!  Ay, blood will be shed!  Heads will fall!” she cried with flashing eyes.  “But what do we care for that?  We shall be paid for betraying the traitors, and, when we have gained wealth, no one will ask from what bloody source it came.  Wealth reconciles, equalizes everything.  So we will be rich, rich.  And now, uncle, listen.  Baroness de Simonie will give another entertainment to-morrow.  She will invite all her friends and acquaintances, but especially Count Andreossy’s aids, Colonel Mariage, Captain de Guesniard, Lieutenant-colonel Schweitzer, the two Counts von Poldring, and moreover a number of French and Austrian officers, magistrates and ladies.  It must be a brilliant fete—­all the rooms crowded with people, that some, without attracting attention, may be able to retire and hold a familiar conversation.”

“Of course, of course, my beautiful Leonore, and as your uncle and major-domo, I will do everything in my power for your honor!  And now, my child, farewell!  I will go to Schoenbrunn, to report to the emperor.  Farewell, and be brave, happy, and joyous.  Believe me, men do not deserve to be pitied, far less to be loved.  The day will soon come when my Leonore will perceive this and strip the enthusiasm of love from her heart as calmly as the glove from her fair hand.  Farewell, you lovely Baroness de Simonie!”