I do not see much difference between taking it for granted that a man is a traitor and offering him money to act as one." "No," said Marietta, smelling the rose from time to time as she spoke, "there is not much difference.

But I did not mean to hurt your feelings." "You did not realise that I could have any, I fancy," retorted Zorzi, still angry.
"Perhaps I did not understand that you would consider what my father was telling you in the same light as a secret of the art," said Marietta slowly, "nor that you would look upon what I meant to offer you as a bribe.

The matter concerned me, did it not ?" "Your name was not spoken.

I have fastened the branch.

Is there anything else for me to do ?" "Have you no curiosity to know what I would have given you ?" asked Marietta.
"I should be ashamed to want anything at such a price," returned Zorzi proudly.
"You hold your honour high, even in trifles." "It is all I have--my honour and my art." "You care for nothing else?
Nothing else in the whole world ?" "Nothing," said Zorzi.
"You must be very lonely in your thoughts," she said, and turned away.
As she went slowly along the path her hand hung by her side, and the rose she held fell from her fingers.