In the contradictory confusion of feelings, so often found in women, this deceitful and dangerous creature had been conquered--little by little, as she had herself described it--by that charm of sweetness and simplicity in Iris, of which her own depraved nature presented no trace.

She now spoke with hesitation, almost with timidity, in addressing the woman whom she had so cleverly deceived, at the time when they first met.
"Must I give up all, Miss Henley, that I most value ?" she asked.
"I hardly understand you, Mrs.Vimpany." "I will try to make it plainer.

Do you really mean to leave me this evening ?" "I do." "May I own that I am grieved to hear it?
Your departure will deprive me of some happy hours, in your company." "Your husband's conduct leaves me no alternative," Iris replied.
"Pray do not humiliate me by speaking of my husband! I only want to know if there is a harder trial of my fortitude still to come.

Must I lose the privilege of being your friend ?" "I hope I am not capable of such injustice as that," Iris declared.

"It would be hard indeed to lay the blame of Mr.Vimpany's shameful behaviour on you.