"Then you have changed. But if they knew the truth, how differently they'd act!"
"They must never suspect; more depends upon it than you know."
"I feel horribly guilty, all the same."
"It can make no difference what they think of me. I'm afraid, however, that you have—made it—difficult for Myra Nell."
"So it appears. I didn't think of her when I entered this delightful prison."
"You had no choice."
"It wasn't altogether that. I wanted to be near you, Vittoria."
Her glance was level and cool, her voice steady. "It was chivalrous to try to spare me the necessity of explaining. The situation was trying; but we were both to blame, and now we must make the best of it. Myra Nell's misunderstanding is complete, and she will be unhappy unless you devote yourself to her."
"I simply can't. I think I'll keep to myself as much as possible."
"You don't know that girl," Vittoria said. "You think she is frivolous and inconsequent, that she has the brightness of a sunbeam and no more substance; but you are mistaken. She is good and true and steadfast underneath, and she can feel deeply."