What you were then
you will be now. Your record is against you."
Steinmetz was standing with his back to what appeared to be the only
exit from the room. There were two other doors concealed in the oaken
panels, but De Chauxville did not know that. He could not take his eyes
from the broad face of his companion, upon which there were singular
blotches of color.
"I am waiting," said the German, "for you to explain your conduct."
"Indeed!" replied De Chauxville. "Then, my friend, you will have to
continue waiting. I fail to recognize your right to make enquiry into my
movements. I am not responsible to any man for my actions, least of all
to you. The man who manages his neighbor's affairs mismanages his own. I
would recommend you to mind your own business. Kindly let me pass."
De Chauxville's words were brave enough, but his lips were unsteady. A
weak mouth is apt to betray its possessor at inconvenient moments. He
waved Steinmetz aside, but he made no movement toward the door. He kept
the table between him and his companion.
Steinmetz was getting calmer. There was an uncanny hush about him.
"Then I am to conclude," he said, "that you came to Russia in order to
persecute a helpless woman. Her innocence or her guilt is, for the
moment, beside the question. Neither is any business of yours. Both, on
the contrary, are my affair.
Pages:
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381