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194 desperate men when I see them. I have not lived and traveled for nothing. And I calculate my time nicely. I know just what I can accomplish during my stay in a city. And do you know that no man has dared to insult my face? I mean coarsely and abusively. They are afraid of me. The secret of success in life is to make people afraid of you. Only fools remain on the defensive. I am always on the aggressive. Insult! — I would poniard a man if I saw a thought of insult in his eyes! Law! What do I care for law? I am a law unto myself. Why, a woman has always the advantage in such cases. Suppose I say: 'That man came to see me under some pretext. He attempted to take advantage; I know how to take care of myself; — I killed him!' Who will contradict me?

"Lover! Nonsense! Perhaps, when I leave the stage! But I shall be mistress.