Mr.Le Frank smiled.
"I won't trouble you, madam, for any more direct reply," he said; "I will speak plainly.

Be so good as to tell me plainly, on your side, which I am--a man who has disgraced himself by stealing a letter?
or a man who has distinguished himself by doing you a service ?" An unpleasant alternative, neatly defined! To disavow Mr.Le Frank or to use Mr.Le Frank--there was the case for Mrs.Gallilee's consideration.
She was incapable of pronouncing judgment; the mere effort of decision, after what she had suffered, fatigued and irritated her.

"I can't deny," she said, with weary resignation, "that you have done me a service." He rose, and made a generous return for the confidence that had been placed in him--he repeated his magnificent bow, and sat down again.
"Our position towards each other seems too plain to be mistaken," he proceeded.

"Your niece's letter--perfectly useless for the purpose with which I opened it--offers me a means of being even with Miss Carmina, and a chance of being useful to You.

Shall I begin by keeping an eye on the young lady ?" "Is that said, Mr.Le Frank, out of devotion to me ?" "My devotion to you might wear out," he answered audaciously.