"Truly," said I, "for that one sweet act alone, a woman might be worth dying for!")
SECOND VOICE. Or better still—living for!
FIRST VOICE (in high indignation). Balderdash, Sir!—sentimental balderdash!
SECOND VOICE. A truth incontrovertible!
("Folly!" said I, and threw the handkerchief from me. But next moment, moved by a sudden impulse, I stooped and picked it up again.)
FIRST VOICE. Our Peter fellow is becoming the fool of fools!
MYSELF. No, of that there is not the slightest fear, because—she is—gone.
And thus I remained staring at the handkerchief for a great while.