A SUMMARY The workmen manifest mistrust and even dislike towards me.

Why?
I don't know; but my good intentions have gradually got weary.
One after another, sundry women have occupied my life.

Antonia Veron was first.

Her marriage and mine, their hindrance and restriction, threw us back upon each other as of yore.

We found ourselves alone one day in my house--where nothing ever used to happen, and she offered me her lips, irresistibly.