"True." She smiled back at him, although it was a smile with no warmth or happiness in it. "And never shall again. I have seen too much of late to be taken in so easily."

For a moment, she lapsed into silence, considering, and sipped thoughtfully at her wine. At last, she said softly, "I am sorry, that we must meet this way. And yet, for all this conversation if for no other reason, I am glad that meet we did."