“ ‘What, indeed!’ said the Serpent, hissing softly.
“ ‘Because of Eve—that only!’ she flashed at him. ‘She never shall triumph over me. And what there is to give, he has.’
“He turned to Eve, narrowing his eyes till they shone like slits of fire.
“ ‘And you stand cramped on this pedestal, beloved Lady?’
“ ‘Because of Lilith—that only! She, at all events, shall not have him. And think of his morals!’ ”
(“Aha!” said Joan, with intense conviction.)
“The Serpent mused and curved his shining head toward Eve.
“ ‘If you will allow me to say so, I have always regretted that you never finished that apple, and that my cousin Lilith has never tasted it at all,’ he murmured. ‘A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, as certain also of your own poets have said.’
“ ‘I have sometimes thought so, too,’ Eve replied mournfully; ‘and there is a word that now and then flashes across my brain like an echo from the past, but I can never quite recall it. It might explain matters. Still, it is no use talking. That apple rotted long ago, and if the Tree is still growing, which I doubt, there is always a guard of flying infantry at the Gate. It is easier to get out than in where Eden is concerned.’
“The Serpent smiled blandly.