Carlyon.
[Exultantly.] Vera, Vera! Don't you see what has happened? Don't you see it? I am saved. Koreb is mad. Adene has nothing but hearsay——
Vera.
[Shrinking back to coldness.] What do you mean?
Carlyon.
Don't you see that I've just killed Selim, and Selim was the one fatal witness? Adene cannot hurt me now. It is only you. It is all simple for you. You needn't kill him. You needn't say one word that is untrue. Only say nothing, and I am safe. [With increasing confidence.] You don't answer! Think! You know in your heart you cannot conquer me. And if you could, who would be the better for it? I tell you I am a man who has never failed! [He stops as if suddenly giddy; then continues in a weaker voice.] I give you now the power of standing beside me. Do not wait too long. Can any one else offer you half such a life?
[He clings for a moment to the pillar of the veranda for support.
Vera.
[Alarmed.] You are wounded!
Carlyon.