Stephan was secretive and a liar, but he was a very gentle and expert lover. She was the petted, cherished child, the desired mistress, the worshipped, perfumed goddess. She was all these things to Stephan - or so he made her believe.
I have tried," I said, "but he does not believe me. It is too late for that now" (it is always too late for truth, I thought).