"Would
you object to suggest for me?"
"You are making a bolder request than you think, Mr. Vanstone. I never
do things by halves. When I am acting with my customary candor, I am
frank (as you know already) to the utmost verge of imprudence. When
exceptional circumstances compel me to take an opposite course, there
isn't a slyer fox alive than I am. If, at your express request, I take
off my honest English coat here and put on a Jesuit's gown--if, purely
out of sympathy for your awkward position, I consent to keep your secret
for you from Mrs. Lecount--I must have no unseasonable scruples to
contend with on your part. If it is neck or nothing on my side, sir, it
must be neck or nothing on yours also."
"Neck or nothing, by all means," said Noel Vanstone, briskly--"on
the understanding that you go first. I have no scruples about keeping
Lecount in the dark. But she is devilish cunning, Mr. Bygrave. How is it
to be done?"
"You shall hear directly," replied the captain. "Before I develop my
views, I should like to have your opinion on an abstract question of
morality. What do you think, my dear sir, of pious frauds in general?"
Noel Vanstone looked a little embarrassed by the question.
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