He was anxious to persuade himself that his surrender depended on a condition; he would fain hide his shame under a show of bargaining.
"The proof, man, or I will not take a step." "You shall have it." "To-day ?" "Within the hour." "And if she be not mad--I believe you are deceiving me, and it was the _remedium_ the girl took--if she be not mad----" The Syndic, stammering and repeating himself, broke off there.

He could not meet the other's eyes; between a shame new to him and the overpowering sense of what he had done, he was in a pitiable state.

"Curse you," with violence, "I believe you have laid a trap for me!" he cried.

"I say if she be not mad, I have done." "Let it stand so," Basterga answered placidly.

"Trust me, if she has taken the philtre she will be mad enough.