“But he was lying!”
“Of course he was lying. But at that time he seemed so dear to me, so kind that I kissed him on the forehead. Then we used to bring you flowers to the prison. One day as we were returning from you—listen—he suddenly proposed that we should go out driving. The evening was so beautiful—”
“And you went! How did you dare go out with him? You had just seen my prison, you had just been near me, and yet you dared go with him. How base!”
“Be silent. Be silent. I know I am a criminal. But I was so exhausted, so tired, and you were so far away. Understand me.”
She began to cry, wringing her hands.
“Understand me. I was so exhausted. And he—he saw how I felt—and yet he dared kiss me.”
“He kissed you! And you allowed him? On the lips?”
“No, no! Only on the cheek.”
“You lie!”
“No, no. I swear to you.”