"What do you mean by that? Will I break into the house and help you rob?"
"There is no other way. The money is in a desk, locked. I am not strong enough to break the lock. You can. Then, too, there are some papers of mine——"
"Romola, will this give you the contentment you desire?" he said sternly.
"I—I think so. I hope so."
"Then I will help you."
"Oh, Peter, how can I——"
He lifted his hand. "You see, my dear, you can't frighten me—easily. You can't bribe me, Romola. But you can appeal to my weakness——"
"A woman in distress—your weakness!" But there was no mockery in either her voice or her eyes. It was more like a whisper of regret.
"Romola, will you answer a question?"
"I'll try!"