Edward Bulwer-Lytton: The Last Days of Pompeii

BOOK THE FIRST 6. Chapter VI (continued)

Most cunningly had the Egyptian appealed to Ione's ruling foible--most dexterously had he applied the poisoned dart to her pride. He fancied he had arrested what he hoped, from the shortness of the time she had known Glaucus, was, at most, but an incipient fancy; and hastening to change the subject, he now led her to talk of her brother. Their conversation did not last long. He left her, resolved not again to trust so much to absence, but to visit--to watch her--every day.

No sooner had his shadow glided from her presence, than woman's pride--her sex's dissimulation--deserted his intended victim, and the haughty Ione burst into passionate tears.