"It was in battle."
"Yes."
"And women like you, pure, with no vice of blood, sometimes are tempted, struggle, and suffer."
His words, still more his voice, made we wince.
"Even drawn battles bring their scars," I replied.
"Convince me beyond all doubt that a woman can reason with her impulses, or even fathom them, and I will be in your debt."
"Maybe—but Ben is coming."
He looked at me strangely.
"You must find this very dull, Cassandra," said Ben, joining us.
"Cassandra," said Desmond, "are you bored?"