She had not spoken an untruth in saying to Peppino Ardea: "I know only one way: to see one's aim and to march directly to it." She wanted a definitive rupture with Boleslas.

Why should she hesitate as to the means?
She was silent, seeking for words.

He continued: "Will you permit me to go back three months, although that is, it seems, a long space of time for a woman's memory?
I do not know whether you recall our last meeting?
Pardon, I meant to say the last but one, since we met last night.

Do you concede that the manner in which we parted then did not presage the manner in which we met ?" "I concede it," said the Countess, with a gleam of angry pride in her eyes, "although I do not very much like your style of expression.

It is the second time you have addressed me as an accuser, and if you assume that attitude it will be useless to continue." "Catherine!"....