"If I knew, I wouldn't be asking you questions."

Haunte laughed loudly. "Sullenbode."

"You mean it will end in my seeking Sullenbode?"

"But what will come of it, Maskull? What will she give you? Sweet,
fainting, white-armed, feminine voluptuousness?"

Maskull coolly drank another cup. "And why should she give all that
to a passerby?"

"Well, as a matter of fact, she hasn't it to give. No, what she will
give you, and what you'll accept from her, because you can't help it,
is--anguish, insanity, possibly death."

"You may be talking sense, but it sounds like raving to me. Why
should I accept insanity and death?"

"Because your passion will force you to."

"What about yourself?" Maskull asked, biting his nails.

"Oh, I have my male stones. I am immune."

"Is that all that prevents you from being like other men?"

"Yes, but don't attempt any tricks, Maskull."