"I don't think there is any virtue about that hateful and magical herb which I believe grew in the devil's garden.
Moreover, Lady Ragnall, although there are few things in the world that I would refuse you, I tell you at once that nothing will induce me to have anything more to do with it." She laughed softly and asked why not.
"Because I find life so full of perplexities and memories that I have no wish to make acquaintance with any more, such as I am sure lie hid by the thousand in that box." "If so, don't you think that they might clear up some of those which surround you to-day ?" "No, for in such things there is no finality, since whatever one saw would also require explanation." "Don't let us argue," she replied.

"It is tiring and I daresay we shall need all our strength to-night." I looked at her speechless.

Why could she not take No for an answer?
As usual she read my thought and replied to it.
"Why did not Adam refuse the apple that Eve offered him ?" she inquired musingly.

"Or rather why did he eat it after many refusals and learn the secret of good and evil, to the great gain of the world which thenceforward became acquainted with the dignity of labour ?" "Because the woman tempted him," I snapped.
"Quite so.

It has always been her business in life and always will be.
Well, I am tempting you now, and not in vain." "Do you remember who was tempting the woman ?" "Certainly.