It is the life--or the death--to which you may look forward if you will neither open your eyes to see, nor raise your hand to guard yourself.

And you cry out in outraged horror at the idea of seeing Gianluca della Spina here, in this garden, by these steps, under God's sunlight, as you see me here to-day by accident.

It seems to you--what shall I say ?--unladylike!" Taquisara laughed scornfully.

"What does it matter whether you are unladylike or not, so long as you are womanly, and kind, and brave?
I am telling you truths you have never heard, but you have a woman's right to hear them, whatever you may think of me.

And I speak for another.