She turned her face away.
"Never again! Never again!"
The fevered blood raced swiftly from his cheek. For a moment he watched her in silence, his eyes like slits in his hard, pale face, then he turned on his heel and laughed aloud.
A shudder she could not repress crept over the woman's soft, white skin.
"Benilo!" she called to him. He turned and came slowly back.
"Benilo," she continued nervously, "release me from this wager! I cannot go on—I cannot. If he is bent upon leaving the world, let him retire in peace and do not stir the misery which lies couchant in the hidden depths of his soul. He has suffered enough,—more than enough,—more than should fall to one man's lot. Do not drive me to madness,—I cannot do it—I cannot."
"Your thoughts are only for him. For me you have nothing," he replied fiercely.
"I owe him everything—nothing to you!"
"Then go to him, to release you,—I will not!"
"I cannot do it! Be merciful!"