"That's what I am. What right have I to feeling, emotion?" said the model.
"Have you no hope for the years that are to come?"
"If I have, I hide it so that none may see. I had one hope, but it was like reaching out after a star. Do not question me concerning it. It shall never be revealed."
"Paul," she said, "what think you of these men who crowd about me, like moths about a candle, their tongues quick with the hollow mockery of modern insipidity?"
"They are false as Judas. They drink your champagne, and then, when drunk, tell lies about you. I'd like to cut their throats, if you but speak."
"I'll let you, in a way," she said, looking into his black eyes with a boldness that made him breathe with a mixture of fear and delight.
"How?" said he, with almost breathless quickness.
"Paul," she replied, "come nearer to me. You are a strong-limbed brute. You are base born. You are poor."
He shuddered, and was about to acquaint the woman with the story which Lawyer Salmon had told him, but some power which controls fate and destiny, restrained him, and he remained silent upon the point.
"If all you say is true," he uttered, "What then?"
"Ah, Paul, you are so different to the mere puppets that cringe around and flatter me."
"If I were like these weaklings, I would not care to live."
"The very contrast attracts me," said Ouida, dreamily.
"My God!" said Paul, the truth at length dawning upon him, "can it be possible that you condescend to give me more than a mere passing reflection?"
