"Nay, in my sickness thou wert kind and gentle—"
"So should I have been to any other!"
"You builded me my little house?"
"I had naught else to do."
"Martino," said she, sinking on her knees beside me. "Oh, caro mio, if—if you could kiss me in my sickness when I knew naught of it—wherefore not now when I am all awake and full of life—"
"I never did!" said I, speaking on rageful impulse "If Resolution told you this, he lies!" At this she shrank as I had struck her.
"And did you not—kiss me in my sickness—once, no?"
"Never once!"
Here, bowing her head upon her hands, she rested silent awhile.
"Nay, Joanna, wherefore seek the impossible. In these latter days I have learned to—to respect you—"