Bellarion the Fortunate

by Rafael Sabatini

'That does not describe me. I bear no malice to any living man or woman.'

'But what perfection! I wonder you could bear to stray from Heaven!' It was no more than an impulsive display of her claws. Instantly she withdrew them. 'No, no. Dear God, I do not mean to mock at you. But you're so cold, so placid! That is how you come to be the great soldier men are calling you. But it will not make men love you, Bellarion.'

Bellarion smiled. 'I don't remember to have sought men's love.'

'Nor women's, eh?'

'The fathers taught me to avoid it.'

'The fathers! The fathers!' Her mockery was afoot again. 'In God's name, why ever did you leave the fathers?'

'It was what I was asking myself when I came upon you.'

'And you found no answer when you saw me?'

'None, madonna.'

Her face whitened a little, and her breath came shorter.