And I understand
that in connection with these there is a great machinery of intrigue
going on all the time, with branches all over the world, spies
everywhere with unlimited funds, and with huge opportunities of
good or evil. In effect I have become an outside member of what is
nothing more nor less than a very powerful and, it seems to me,
daring secret society."
"So far as you are concerned, Duke," the Prince said, "your
responsibility ceases with ordinary membership. You can take no
count of anything beyond. The time may come when the inner circle
may be opened to you."
The Duke coughed.
"You misapprehend me," he said. "I can assure you I am not anxious
for promotion. On the contrary, I stand before you an aggrieved
person. I have come to the conclusion that my house, and the
shelter of my wife's name, have been used for a plot, the main
points of which have been kept wholly secret from me."
The Prince flicked his cigarette ash into the grate.
"My dear Dorset," he said gently, "if you will allow me to explain--"
"I thank you, Saxe Leinitzer," the Duke said coldly, "but it is
beginning to occur to me that I have had enough of your explanations.
It seemed natural enough to me, and I must say well conceived, that
some attempt should be made to modify the views of, if not wholly
convert, Reginald Brott by means of the influence of a very charming
woman.
Pages:
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272