"Why do you wish to know?" he inquired quietly. "Is it because you are a woman?"
"I am here because I am a woman. Well, then."
He looked at her, still silently, for a time. "She is dead," he said slowly. "Can't you let her lie dead?"
"No. Is she out there? Tell me."
"No."
"Is she dead? Who was she?"
"I have told you, I am alone here. I have told you, I've been alone, all my life, until you came. Isn't that enough?"
"Yes, you've said that; but that was not the truth."
"It depends upon what you mean by the truth."
"The man who could do what you have done with me would not stop at anything. How could I believe a word you said?" Then, on the instant, much as she had cause to hate him, she half regretted her speech. She saw a swift flush spring to his cheek under the thin florid skin. He moved his lips, but did not speak. It was quite a while before he made reply.