"I believe you," said the Duke gravely.
She heaved a deep sigh of relief, and went on more quietly—some of its golden tone had returned to her voice: "And then, if you knew how it began . . . the horror of it," she said.
"Poor child!" said the Duke softly.
"Yes, you pity me, but you despise me—you despise me beyond words. You shall not! I will not have it!" she cried fiercely.
"Believe me, no," said the Duke, in a soothing tone.
"Listen," said Sonia. "Have you ever been alone—alone in the world? . . . Have you ever been hungry? Think of it . . . in this big city where I was starving in sight of bread . . . bread in the shops . . . . One only had to stretch out one's hand to touch it . . . a penny loaf. Oh, it's commonplace!" she broke off: "quite commonplace!"
"Go on: tell me," said the Duke curtly.
"There was one way I could make money and I would not do it: no, I would not," she went on. "But that day I was dying . . . understand, I was dying . . . .I went to the rooms of a man I knew a little. It was my last resource. At first I was glad . . . he gave me food and wine . . . and then, he talked to me . . . he offered me money."
