human
Madame de la Fontaine, I told you yesterday morning, my sister, Nancy Frost, has disappeared. We searched for her all day in vain. Not a trace of her has been found. But certain strange events have led me to suspect that certain persons have had something to do with her disappearance and must know her whereabouts. I will be frank Madame. One of the persons whom I so suspect is yourself.
gpt
I!--_mon Dieu_! and why is it that you believe this, Monsieur?
human
I suspect you, madame, because I suspect the Marquis de Boisdhyver.
gpt
Ah! the French gentleman who is staying with you at the Inn at the Red Oak, is it not so?
human
Yes.
gpt
But--why me?
human
Because, madame, I discovered that you and the Marquis de Boisdhyver have been in secret communication with each other.
gpt
De Boisdhyver.
human
Lights, green and red lights, have been used as signals; by the Marquis at the Inn; by you, madame, from the House on the Dunes; and by some one,--Captain Bonhomme, I suppose,--from this ship.
gpt
Lights, you have seen lights?
human
Several times last night, Madame. My suspicions were aroused. I was determined to find my sister. I resolved to learn the meaning of those mysterious signals. My method was stupid: I blundered, and as you have several times so gently hinted, I am in your power.
gpt
Look at me, monsieur, she said.
human
Do you know what you tell me? That I am an adventuress?
gpt
I have stated only a suspicion, madame, to account for my own stupid blundering. But if you think that my suspicions are extraordinary, don't you think that our present situation and conversation are also extraordinary, and that they might rather confirm my suspicions?
human
Will you not trust me?
gpt
I--I-- he stammered awkwardly.
human
I have certainly no desire to distrust you, madame.
gpt
And yet it is that you do distrust me.
human
But what would you have me do?
gpt
Ah! Her hand spontaneously closed upon his with a clasp that delighted and yet disconcerted him.
human
I hope that we shall make each other to understand.
gpt
What would you have me do?
human
Monsieur, let me make to you a confession. I understand your suspicions; I understand your desire to find if they are true. You have reason; Monsieur le Marquis de Boisdhyver and I have exchanged the mysterious signals that you have witnessed. Why should I deny that which already you know? Monsieur de Boisdhyver and I are occupied with affairs of great importance, and it is necessary that all is kept secret. But I believe, that it is that I can trust you, monsieur.
gpt
And Nancy--?
human
said the lady, laughing gayly, Dan's hand still in her friendly pressure.
gpt
All in good time, _mon ami_. It is necessary before I confide in you our little secret that I consult Monsieur le Marquis.
human
But you do know about Nancy, he insisted;
gpt
Of nothing, dear boy, --and she withdrew her hand.
human
But it had been so much better for us all if only Monsieur le Marquis had at the first confided in you.
gpt
It is necessary that I return to the shore. I will see Monsieur le Marquis this afternoon, and immediately afterward--
human
But, madame, surely, Dan exclaimed,
gpt
I am to accompany you?
human
Ah! monsieur, she replied with a charming little smile,
gpt
But Madame de la Fontaine, cried Dan,
human
I cannot consent--
gpt
No! no!