If there was not in my own mind a suspicion that you are insane, I
should say your proposition is as ludicrous as it is impossible. Having
that suspicion, it is a bit tragic. Also it is impossible. It is
necessary for you first to tell me why you are going to sell yourself
to Shan Tung."
Her face was coldly white and calm again. But her hands trembled. He
saw her try to hide them, and pitied her.
"Then I won't trouble you any more, for that, too, is impossible," she
said. "May I trust you to keep in confidence what I have told you?
Perhaps I have had too much faith in you for a reason which has no
reason, because you were with John Keith. John Keith was the one other
man who might have helped me."
"And why John Keith? How could he have helped you?"
She shook her head. "If I told you that, I should be answering the
question which is impossible."
He saw himself facing a checkmate. To plead, to argue with her, he knew
would profit him nothing. A new thought came to him, swift and
imperative. The end would justify the means. He clenched his hands. He
forced into his face a look that was black and vengeful. And he turned
it on her.
"Listen to me," he cried.
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