'No, no. Believe me, it is not so. I spake not so freely, truthfully, as I should. I love her, and am certain of it; but tell me, Chios, that thou lovest her not.'
'Why asketh thou such a question? Did she not give me the cut direct in thy presence?'
'Because I am skilled in the ways of women, and know they frequently act directly opposite to that they mean. I saw her coldness to thee, and saw no reason for it, and at once, in my mind, questioned the proceeding. Say, dost thou love her—hast tried to win her? Is she sporting with thy manly heart? Speak, on the honour of a Greek, and, if such be the case, I leave the field.'
'I love her not.'
'Hast thou failed, and stifled the dawn of love?'
'No.'
'Is it, then, Nika loves Chios, and Chios is adamant?'
'I am not skilled in the mysteries to be able to read her thoughts.'
'Perhaps not; but, as a man, like myself, thou canst read actions, and they are the outcome of thoughts.'
'Thou forgettest, noble friend, but a moment or so ago thou saidst that frequently actions were contrary to what was really meant. How, then, can I divine her meaning more than thyself?'