She obeyed him, in the same mechanical, dead manner and said, "I will not thus be addressed, I am no man's darling. I was the darling of Anthony once—a long time ago; but he ceased to love me; and he is dead. I killed him."
"Anthony never ceased to love you. It is false. He always loved you, but sometimes more than at other times, for his self-love rose up and smothered his love for you—but never for long."
"Did Anthony never cease to love me? How do you know that? How can you know that? You are deceiving me."
"It is true. None know it as I do."
She shook her head.
"Listen to me, Urith. Anthony never loved any but you."
"He had loved Julian," answered Urith. "He had from a child, and first love always lasts, it is tough and enduring."
"No, he never loved her. I swear to you."
She shook her head again, but drew a long breath, as though shaking off something of her load. "I cannot think you know," she said, after a pause.