She has done all she
could to wreck things; she did not tell you everything; she
has told Harriet nothing at all; she has lied or acted lies
everywhere. I cannot trust your mother. So I have come
here alone--all across Europe; no one knows it; my father
thinks I am in Normandy--to spy on Mrs. Herriton. Don't
let's argue!" for he had begun, almost mechanically, to
rebuke her for impertinence. "If you are here to get the
child, I will help you; if you are here to fail, I shall get
it instead of you."
"It is hopeless to expect you to believe me," he
stammered. "But I can assert that we are here to get the
child, even if it costs us all we've got. My mother has
fixed no money limit whatever. I am here to carry out her
instructions. I think that you will approve of them, as you
have practically dictated them. I do not approve of them.
They are absurd."
She nodded carelessly. She did not mind what he said.
All she wanted was to get the baby out of Monteriano.
"Harriet also carries out your instructions," he
continued. "She, however, approves of them, and does not
know that they proceed from you. I think, Miss Abbott, you
had better take entire charge of the rescue party. I have
asked for an interview with Signor Carella tomorrow
morning. Do you acquiesce?"
She nodded again.
"Might I ask for details of your interview with him?
They might be helpful to me."
He had spoken at random. To his delight she suddenly
collapsed.
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