I was told of you that you were violent and passionate, a man of bitter enmities, easily stirred to hatreds, cruel and ruthless in the persecution of them." "You, too, have been listening to Sir John," he muttered, and laughed shortly.
"All this was I told," she pursued as if he had not spoken, "and all did I refuse to believe because my heart was given to you.

Yet...

yet of what have you made proof to-day ?" "Of forbearance," said he shortly.
"Forbearance ?" she echoed, and her lips writhed in a smile of weary irony.

"Surely you mock me!" He set himself to explain.
"I have told you what Sir John had done.

I have told you that the greater part of it--and matter all that touched my honour--I know Sir John to have done long since.