"Why should you pass through these privations? Roma, if I allowed these misfortunes to befall you it was only to let you feel what others could do for you. But I am the same as ever, and you have only to stretch out your hand and I am here to lighten your lot."
"All that is over now. It is no use speaking as you spoke before. You are talking to another woman."
"Strange mystery of a woman's love! That she who set out to destroy her slanderer should become his slave! If he were only worthy of it!"
"He is worthy of it."
"If you should hear that he is not worthy—that he has even been untrue to you?"
"I should think it is a falsehood, a contemptible falsehood."
"But if you had proof, substantial proof, the proof of his own pen?"
"Good-morning! I must go."
"My child, what have I always told you? You will give the man up at last and carry out your first intention."
With a deep bow and a scarcely perceptible smile the Baron turned to the open door of his carriage. Roma flushed up angrily and went on, but the poisoned arrow had gone home.