"Marriage with a millionaire is a temptation which few women can resist," he said philosophically, in a voice undisturbed by my harsh retort. "Temptations are the crises which test the strength of one's character. Whether a woman stands or falls at these crises depends very largely on what she is before the testing comes."
"And pray what concern have you in my intentions or actions?" I demanded.
"You will discover that in due time," he answered. "I know that to the world you, like your companion, Ulrica Yorke, pretend to be a woman who prefers her freedom and has no thought of love. Yet you are only acting the part of the free woman. At heart you love as intensely and hate as fiercely as all the others. Is not that so?"
"You speak remarkably plainly, as though you were well acquainted with my private affairs," I remarked resentfully.
"I only say what I know to be the truth," he replied. "You, Carmela Rosselli, are not heartless like that emotionless woman who is your friend. The truth is that you love—you still love Ernest Cameron."
I rose in quick indignation.
"I refuse to hear you further, monsieur!" I cried. "Kindly let me pass."
His hand was on the door of the box, and he kept it there, notwithstanding my words.
"No," he said, quite coolly. "You must hear me—indeed, you shall hear me!"
"I have heard you," I answered. "You have said sufficient."