Destroy the one, or embitter the other, and Keyork's remnant of life becomes but a foretaste of death." "And that interest--that friendship--where are they ?" asked Unorna in a tone still bitter, but less scornful than before.
"Together, in this room, and both in danger, the one through your young haste and impetuosity, the other through my wretched weakness in being made angry; forgive me, Unorna, as I ask forgiveness----" "Your repentance is too sudden; it savours of the death-bed." "Small wonder, when my life is in the balance." "Your life ?" She uttered the question incredulously, but not without curiosity.
"My life--and for your word," he answered, earnestly.

He spoke so impressively, and in so solemn a tone, that Unorna's face became grave.
She advanced another step towards him, and laid her hand upon the back of the chair in which she previously had sat.
"We must understand each other--to-day or never," she said.

"Either we must part and abandon the great experiment--for, if we part, it must be abandoned--" "We cannot part, Unorna." "Then, if we are to be associates and companions--" "Friends," said Keyork in a low voice.
"Friends?
Have you laid the foundation for a friendship between us?
You say that your life is in the balance.

That is a figure of speech, I suppose.

Or has your comedy another act?
I can believe well enough that your greatest interest in life lies there, upon that couch, asleep.