yourself--while, as for you, you were to change in nothing! It was your
duty to come to my level--at least to approach it. I would have met you
halfway; we could have made our contract, and I would have kept my part
of the bargain. You demanded too much, and that is why you lost
everything. I condemn you--humanity condemns you. The ruin was your
work!"

"There is something novel in the theory, but I don't think many people
would accept it." He was prepared to talk seriously with her, if she
wished it, but no man could be serious in view of such a preposterous
claim. So he fell back upon the cold, ironical calmness which
exasperated Cora far more than a storm of rage would have done. "At any
rate," he said, "I did not deprive you of your liberty. You retained
that!"

"I kept it for myself. You would have taken it away, and you hated me
for keeping it. I keep it still. I have been free to go where I would,
free to wander over this terrible and desolate city, free now to come
back to you, and stay with you, until you swear to cease your
persecutions, and swear to make a new compact on more equitable terms."

"It is impossible to make terms with you, for you do not observe them.
The law will bind you down more strictly. Meanwhile you cannot remain
here, as you propose."

"Do you mean to throw me into the street?" she asked, passionately.
"Alive or dead, I stay here until the compact is made."

"You need have no fear of me; I am not going to kill you."

"Fear! Of you! Do not flatter yourself, my friend!"

With an insulting laugh she plucked a thin stiletto from under her
cloak, and brandished it before him. Alan recognized it as one which he
had missed after her visit to Montagu Place.

"Look there! Would you like to feel if it is sharp, or will you take my
word for it? We may want that before we part. I do not much care whether
you use it or I; but I will not leave this room unless you concede all
that I ask. Do not stand so far from me, coward. You smile, but you are
afraid!"

"Why should I fear your play-acting? You will not touch me, for so long
as I live you hope to get money from me, and if I were dead you would
starve."

"Miserable hound! Do you not think that hate is stronger even than love
of gold?"

"Not your hate. Throw that useless toy away. Love of gold and love of
self make us both perfectly safe."

"Listen to my terms."

"No; they are refused before you ask them. The law is in motion--nothing