He knew the difference between her and Veronica, and he straightened himself, till he looked rigid, and an unnatural smile just wreathed his lips, half hidden in his silky beard. He told himself that he had fallen the last fall, to the very depths; yet he knew that there was a depth below them, and he tried to turn his face from her, seeking refuge in the thought of what he had done, from the evil he still might do.
"I have been thinking over all I said to you yesterday afternoon," she said gently. "I meant it, you know—I meant it all."
"I trust to Heaven you did!" answered Bosio.
"Yes, dear, I meant it," she said in a voice of gold and velvet. "I will try to mean it still. But—Bosio—look at me!"
He turned his eyes, but not his face.
"Yes?" His voice was not above his breath.
"Yes—but can you? Can I? Can we live without each other?"
"Yes, we must." He spoke louder, with an effort.
She drew nearer to him, strong and soft.
"Yes? Well—but say goodbye—not as yesterday—not as though it were good bye—one kiss, Bosio, only one kiss—one, dear—one—"