half broken on the wheel?"

Her piercing green eyes rested on me with a peculiar mocking
satisfaction. Overcome by desire, I flung myself down before her, and
threw my arms about her.

"Yes--you have awakened my dearest dream," I cried. "It has slept
long enough."

"And this is?" She put her hand on my neck.

I was seized with a sweet intoxication under the influence of this
warm little hand and of her regard, which, tenderly searching, fell
upon me through her half-closed lids.

_"To be the slave of a woman, a beautiful woman, whom I love, whom
I worship."_

"And who on that account maltreats you," interrupted Wanda, laughing.

"Yes, who fetters me and whips me, treads me underfoot, the while
she gives herself to another."

"And who in her wantonness will go so far as to make a present of
you to your successful rival when driven insane by jealousy you must
meet him face to face, who will turn you over to his absolute mercy.
Why not? This final tableau doesn't please you so well?"

I looked at Wanda frightened.