"Of course I can try. Words without meaning are easy things to say. But then—a lie; that is a serious matter.
"It may cease to be a lie, once uttered."
"Well,—just to please you, then, and as an experiment—and—— You are sure you will not despise me for saying it?"
"No."
"Nor accuse me afterward of deceit?"
"Of course not."
"Nor think me weak-minded?"
"No, no. How could I?"
"Well, then—Penthony—I—don't love you the least bit in the world!" declares Cecil, with a provoking, irresistible laugh, stepping backward out of his reach.
Sir Penthony does not speak for a moment or two; then "'Sweet is revenge, especially to women,'" he says, quietly, although at heart he is bitterly chagrined. To be unloved is one thing—to be laughed at is another. "After all, you are right. There is nothing in this world so rare or so admirable as honesty. I am glad you told me no untruth, even in jest."