"So you thought that, after having driven me to distraction——"
"I should be your friend in need."
"Fine friend." Then after a pause: "Anyhow, my present life is such that, rather than bear it any longer, I'll go and drown myself some day or other."
"You'd never do that, Milena."
"Why not? Therefore, if you care for me ever so little, use your influence over Radonic, undo your work, get him to be a little less of a brute than he has been of late."
"And then you'll laugh at me?"
"Who does good can expect better," and she tried to look at him less harshly than she was wont to do, and did not turn her eyes away from him.
"No, Milena, first——"
"What! first the pay, then the work? It would be against the proverb."
"Then promise me at least that you will try to love me a little?"