“Signora Bolla, you and I have gone too far to play at compliments and modest denials now. Tell me honestly, do you recognize that you are using up your brain on work which persons inferior to you could do as well?” “Since you press me for an answer--yes, to some extent.” “Then why do you let that go on?” No answer. “Why do you let it go on?” “Because--I can't help it.” “Why?” She looked up reproachfully. “That is unkind--it's not fair to press me so.” “But all the same you are going to tell me why.” “If you must have it, then--because my life has been smashed into pieces, and I have not the energy to start anything REAL, now. I am about fit to be a revolutionary cab-horse, and do the party's drudge-work. At least I do it conscientiously, and it must be done by somebody.” “Certainly it must be done by somebody; but not always by the same person.” “It's about all I'm fit for.” He looked at her with half-shut eyes, inscrutably. Presently she raised her head. “We are returning to the old subject; and this was to be a business talk. It is quite useless, I assure you, to tell me I might have done all sorts of things. I shall never do them now. But I may be able to help you in thinking out your plan. What is it?” “You begin by telling me that it is useless for me to suggest anything, and then ask what I want to suggest. My plan requires your help in action, not only in thinking out.” “Let me hear it and then we will discuss.” “Tell me first whether you have heard anything about schemes for a rising in Venetia.” “I have heard of nothing but schemes for risings and Sanfedist plots ever since the amnesty, and I fear I am as sceptical about the one as about the other.” “So am I, in most cases; but I am speaking of really serious preparations for a rising of the whole province against the Austrians. A good many young fellows in the Papal States--particularly in the Four Legations--are secretly preparing to get across there and join as volunteers. And I hear from my friends in the Romagna----” “Tell me,” she interrupted, “are you quite sure that these friends of yours can be trusted?” “Quite sure. I know them personally, and have worked with them.” “That is, they are members of the 'sect' to which you belong? Forgive my scepticism, but I am always a little doubtful as to the accuracy of information received from secret societies. It seems to me that the habit----” “Who told you I belonged to a 'sect'?” he interrupted sharply. “No one; I guessed it.” “Ah!” He leaned back in his chair and looked at her, frowning. “Do you always guess people's private affairs?” he said after a moment. “Very often. I am rather observant, and have a habit of putting things together. I tell you that so that you may be careful when you don't want me to know a thing.” “I don't mind your knowing anything so long as it goes no further. I suppose this has not----”