"
There was a pause, but not a stillness, for the beating of her
companion's heart was distinctly audible. Then Cecil spoke again in her
own natural caressing tones:
"You will be good and generous, I know. See how I trust you!"
The thought of how their continued intimacy might touch her fair fame
never seemed to suggest itself for an instant. Yet, remember, The
Tresilyan was no longer a guileless, romantic girl, believing and hoping
all things; she knew right well what scandals and jealousies lurk under
the smooth surface of the society in which she had borne so prominent a
part; she knew that there were women alive who would have given half
their diamonds to have her at their mercy, and torment her at their
will. Was it likely that such would let even a slander sleep? Let the
_Rosiere_ of last season lay this reflection to her heart to temper the
immoderation of triumph--"For every one of my victories I have made one
mortal enemy." Not only while in supremacy is the potentate obnoxious to
conspiracies; the dagger is most to be dreaded when the dignity is laid
down. All dethroned and abdicating dictators have not the luck of Sylla.
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