All this in order to be near
one of us. Ach! I have been watching you. Is it only after twenty-five
years that I at last convince you that I am not such a fool as you are
pleased to consider me?"
"You have not convinced me yet," put in De Chauxville, with his easy
laugh.
"No, but I shall do so before I have finished with you. Now, you have
not come here for nothing. It is to be near one of us. It is not Miss
Delafield; she knows you. Some women--good women--have an instinct given
to them by God for a defence against such men--such things as you. Is it
I?"
He touched his broad chest with his two hands, and stood defying his
life-long foe.
"Is it me that you follow? If so, I am here. Let us have done with it
now."
De Chauxville laughed. There was an uneasy look in his eyes. He did not
quite understand Steinmetz. He made no answer. But he turned and looked
at the window. It is possible that he suddenly remembered the threat
concerning it.
"Is it Paul?" continued Steinmetz. "I think not. I think you are afraid
of Paul. Remains the princess. Unless you can convince me to the
contrary, I must conclude that you are trying to get a helpless woman
into your power."
"You always were a champion of helpless ladies," sneered De Chauxville.
"Ah! You remember that, do you? I also--I remember it. It is long ago,
and I have forgiven you; but I have not forgotten.
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