“Her ruin may be repaired.”

Sergius smiled quietly.

“You think so?”

“Yes. Tell me, Sergius”—Anthony spoke with a strong earnestness, a strong excitement that he strove to conceal and hold in check—“you loved her?”

“Yes, I loved her—certainly.”

“You will always love her?”

“Since I'm not changeable, I daresay I shall.”

Anthony's thin, eager face brightened. A glow of warmth burned in his eyes and on his cheeks.

“Then you would wish her ruin repaired.”

“Should I?”