"None. It is not to be expected that you will believe when I tell you that you are the victim of delusion, as I am the victim of a foul and monstrous plot."
"Who would believe you? Denial is easy enough, and of course you will deny, having reason to do so. But come into the light."
She raised the blind, and he stepped to the window where the light shone upon his face.
"You are Newman Chaytor," she repeated, letting the blind fall.
He bowed his head, and said, "You have just cause for your pitiless resentment and whether I am or am not the man you believe me to be, I bow my head before you in sorrow and shame. The day may come--I do not know how, or in what way it may be brought about, for I am at the extremity of misery--when, showing you this"--he touched his breast, where he placed the lock of her child's hair--"and recalling this interview, you will see the error into which you have innocently fallen. Till then, or for ever, farewell."
"One moment," said the woman, with trembling accents, "what has passed cannot be recalled, nor will I speak of the folly of your denial of the solemn truth. It is a meaningless proceeding."
"To me," said Basil, interrupting her, "it means everything. Honour, truth, fidelity, faith in virtue and goodness, all are at stake. It may never come to an issue, for the end seems near, but heaven may yet have some mercy in store for me. As you prayed for a miracle last nigh: which was not vouchsafed you, so will I pray for a miracle to help me to a just conclusion of my bitter trials." A pitiful smile accompanied his words. "It is not for me, one suffering man among millions happier, I trust, than myself, to doubt Divine Goodness. The eternal principle of Justice remains and will, now or hereafter, assert itself, as it has ever done. May peace and comfort, and happiness be yours."
"I offered you money last night," said the woman, impressed by what he said, but making no comment upon it. "Will you not accept it now?"
"I, thank you--no," he said bowing to her with humility. "Farewell."