'I think you were, Alec. I really think that at the time you were truly and madly in love. Else you would never have done a thing of which you repented the next day.'
'I have never repented, dear Zoe—never once.'
'Perhaps you calculated that something would be saved out of the smash. Perhaps, for once in your life, you never calculated at all upon anything. Well—I consented to keep the thing a secret.'
'You know that it was necessary.'
'You said so. I obeyed. But four years—four years—and no prospect of a termination. Consider!' She pleaded as she had spoken before, in the same soft, caressing, murmuring tone.
'I do consider, Zoe. You can have your freedom again. I have no right——'
'Nonsense! My freedom? It is your own that you want. My freedom?' she repeated, but without raising her voice. 'Mine? What could I do with it—now? Whither could I turn? Do not, I advise you, think that I will ever while I live restore your freedom to you.'
'I spoke in your own interest, believe me.'
'I am now what you have made me. You know what that is. You know what I was four years ago.'
'I have advised you, it is true.'