He drew a long breath of relief, yet a frown gathered as he asked, like
one loath and eager to be satisfied, "Your love died a natural death,
then, and its murder does not lie at my door?"

Pointing to the shattered toy upon the ground, she only echoed his own
words. "It was too frail for use--I chose a stronger."

It wounded, as she meant it should; and the evil spirit to whose
guidance she had yielded herself exulted to see his self-love bleed, and
pride vainly struggle to conceal the stab. He caught the expression in
her averted glance, bent suddenly a fixed and scrutinizing gaze upon
her, asking, below his breath, "Then why are you here to tempt me with
the face that tempted me a year ago?"

"I came to see the woman to whom you sold yourself. I have seen her, and
am satisfied."

Such quiet contempt iced her tones, such pitiless satisfaction shone
through the long lashes that swept slowly down, after her eye had met
and caused his own to fall again, that Gilbert's cheek burned as if the
words had been a blow, and mingled shame and anger trembled in his
voice.

"Ah, you are quick to read our secret, for you possess the key. Have you
no fear that I may read your own, and tell the world you sold your
beauty for a name and fortune? Your bargain is a better one than mine,
but I know you too well, though your fetters are diamonds and your
master a fond boy."