I must find out at any price something that will compromise Madame Karpathy before the law, and if something of the sort cannot be discovered, it must be invented." Kecskerey pulled a wry face.
"My dear friend, I know not why you say such things to me.

Do I look like a person competent to give advice in such matters?
It is a serious business, I assure you.

I am very sorry, but you must do what you want yourself.

The Karpathys will reside here this winter.

Do as you please, corrupt their servants, set your creatures to their work, and get them to lead the young woman astray and then betray her; plant your spies about her, watch every step she takes, and put the affair in the hands of sharp practitioners; but leave me in peace, I am a gentleman, I will _not_ be a spy, or a well-feed Mephistopheles, or a hired Cicisbeo." So the worthy gentleman hastened to wash from off him the least suspicion of such a shady transaction, but nevertheless he showed Abellino what to do.