Part 27 (2/2)

On the contrary.

Richard.

What?

Beata.

At this moment he has probably found out whatever your former secretary knows about us.

Richard.

What on earth do you mean?

Beata.

I haven't interrupted you, dear, because speaking seemed to clear your thoughts. But I haven't attempted to answer you, because every minute is precious.

Richard.

Hasn't Brachtmann been here?

Beata.

Brachtmann came too late.

Richard.

Then----?

Beata.

Even if he had come sooner he could not have prevented anything.

Dearest, Michael may come back at any moment, and when he comes we must be ready----

Richard.

Don't go on, Beata. Let us suppose the worst: say that Meixner has unearthed a few suspicious circ.u.mstances--what use can he make of them?

He can't produce any proofs.

Beata.

Who knows?

Richard.

Where are they to come from? The few letters we exchanged were burnt long ago. Copies are not admitted as evidence. He will not be allowed to testify on oath. We have only to keep ourselves in hand as well as we did yesterday, and the whole story will fall to the ground.

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