“Nothing whatever. I must say that, in one of the rooms of the summer-house, the young man charitably warned me that if I touched a single one of the flagons lying on the table some catastrophe might result. Accordingly, it is there he manipulates his products, or, at any rate, conceals them. In the next room there is nothing suspicious. He said to me: ‘Here you may smoke, if you like, and that without the slightest danger.’” “That is worth knowing.” “Do you think of going to see him?” “I think of nothing and of everything. Does one ever know what means will have to be employed in the performance of anything? Wisdom consists in preparing several, so as not to be caught unexpectedly. I have undertaken to obtain possession of and hand over the formulæ of the General de Trémont. For me, it is a matter of self-respect, as well as a question of interest. I will not admit that I cannot succeed in anything I undertake. Our friends abroad would consider me as having depreciated in ability if I failed, and you know what their support is worth to me. So long as my influence lasts, the Baron Grodsko will remain aloof, and not trouble about me. If my protection were to cease to-morrow, Heaven knows what sort of account I should have to give him!” Cesare looked at the young woman in surprise. “Ah! You are almost overcome with emotion. Are you afraid of him?” Sophia became serious. “I am afraid of no one in the world, as you know. Still, Grodsko is a terrible man, especially when he is not drunk.” “But then he is always drinking. Is it because he likes drink?” “No! It is to forget,” “Forget what? You?” “Perhaps.” “He was passionately fond of you, I suppose?” “So were all the other men.” “Is it long since you saw him?” “Some years.” “And he is still at Monte Carlo?” “In the winter. During the summer he lives at Vienna.” “And he drinks both at Monte Carlo and in Vienna?” “Yes, and gambles as well. He has a way of drinking which leaves his brain perfectly clear, so that he is able to play.” “Does he win?” “Often. But then, what does that matter to him?” “Then he is so rich that he is indifferent to his winnings? Lucky man!” “Grodsko is proprietor of a whole district in Moravia. He owns forests, mountains, and villages. His forests furnish the finest pines in Europe. The mountains are bored through and through with mines from which copper and tin are extracted. As for villages, Grodsko, with the peasants on his domains, could, in case of war, furnish a couple of regiments.” “And you left this nabob?” “Yes, for a young man, who had nothing but his beauty to recommend him.” “What did Grodsko say to that?” “He said nothing, he set out in our pursuit, overtook us, and killed my companion.” “Whilst you?” “I had reached the frontier when Grodsko came up to me.” “And there followed—”