'But do you mean that it is all finished? Do you mean that you won't
have anything more to do with me!'
'I don't say I won't have anything more to do with you.'
'But love? It is love I want.'
She shrugged her shoulders.
'But why not?' I said despairingly. 'Why have you given it me at all if
you want to take it away?'
'One is not master of one's love. It comes and goes.'
'Don't you love me at all?'
'No!'
'Oh, God! But why do you tell me this to-day?'
'I had to tell you some time.'
'But why not yesterday, or the day before? Why to-day particularly?'
She did not answer.
'Is it because Giorgio dall' Aste has just returned?'
She started up and her eyes flashed.
'What have they been telling you about him?'
'Has he been here to-day? Were you thinking of him when I came? Were you
languorous from his embraces?'
'How dare you!'
'The only lover to whom you have been faithful, more or less!'
'You vowed you did not believe the scandals about me, and now, when I
refuse you the smallest thing, you are ready to believe every word. What
a love is this! I thought I had heard you talk so often of boundless
confidence.'
'I believe every word I have heard against you. I believe you are a
harlot.'
She had raised herself from her couch, and we were standing face to
face.
'Do you want money? Look! I have as good money as another. I will pay
you for your love; here, take it.'