Part 15 (2/2)
”But why tell this to me, my lord?”
”A woman's persuasion, Countess, is all-powerful”
She looked at him quickly
”But you have told me this in confidence How can I approach the subject and yet keep confidence?”
”You flattermy advice on such a matter
Is it not true that a woman can frame her questions so that a man is compelled to answer?”
”Some men, perhaps”
”Captain Ellerey, I think,” said the Ambassador
”Under certain conditions”
”Exactly,” he answered
”When the questions are asked by one particular wo exactly, Countess”
”But as it happens, Lord Cloverton, I am not the one particular wo countenance toward her
”My dear lady, you do yourself a gross injustice”
The look he expected to find in her face he did not see there He had believed himself possessed of one secret He suddenly perceived that he had possibly discovered another--one that e, and he made haste to turn it to account
”If I am mistaken,” he said slowly, ”Captain Ellerey sinks inyour displeasure should urge his return to England, for he is no fit cavalier for Countess Mavrodin He would be a --one whose honor is for barter to the highest bidder
Such men may well be advised to return to their native land”
”As I a, my lord
Has your philosophy no position which a woman may occupy between the two?”
”In this case I think not”
”Such a small position as friendshi+p, for instance,” she said, rising
”Captain Ellerey and I are fast friends”
”I hardly knohether I can congratulate you,” said Lord Cloverton, rising, too, and showing no sign of annoyance or recognition of defeat
”You will pardon me, but I fear I may have been missed,” and then as they passed into the ball-rooest that your knowledge of Captain Ellerey's affairs may be useful to him? Why not advise hiain I will tell him that you wish to speak to him”