Slowly her eyes came to him, and when he ceased to speak-- "Why do you tell me these things ?" she muttered, her dry lips framing the words with difficulty.
"Because it behoves you to know them," he answered, thoughtfully tapping the table.

"I have no one, save my brother, whom I can trust." She would not ask him why he trusted her, nor why he thought he could trust her.

For a moment or two she watched him, while he, with his eyes lowered, stood in deep thought.

At last he looked up and his eyes met hers.
"Come!" he said abruptly, and in a different tone, "we must end this! Is it to be a kiss or a blow between us ?" She rose, though her knees shook under her; and they stood face to face, her face white as paper.
"What--do you mean ?" she whispered.
"Is it to be a kiss or a blow ?" he repeated.

"A husband must be a lover, Madame, or a master, or both! I am content to be the one or the other, or both, as it shall please you.