You mistake me, and forget that
you--of all men--have little margin of high morality on which to
speculate."
"No, I do not forget that," I said, "nor do I think of you as an
adventuress. But I am sure you hold a power over my friend, and--"
She stopped me. "Not one word more on the subject. You are not to suppose
this or that. Be wise do not irritate and annoy a woman like me. It were
better to please me than to preach to me."
"Mrs. Falchion," I said firmly, "I wish to please you--so well that some
day you will feel that I have been a good friend to you as well as to
him--"
Again she interrupted me. "You talk in foolish riddles. No good can come
of this."
"I cannot believe that," I urged; "for when once your heart is moved by
the love of a man, you will be just, and then the memory of another man
who loved you and sinned for you--"
"Oh, you coward!" she broke out scornfully--"you coward to persist in
this!"
I made a little motion of apology with my hand, and was silent. I was
satisfied. I felt that I had touched her as no words of mine had ever
touched her before. If she became emotional, was vulnerable in her
feelings, I knew that Roscoe's peace might be assured.
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