"It has been a while. Longer than I may have liked." She studies Anne's face. There is sadness in Max's expression, on her delicate features, but no regret. Instead it is certain mix of sorrow and resignation. She knows as they both do that even if she had the chance to do it over, the course of events between them would go no differently. It pains Max that she betrayed Anne. She hates that she hurt her. But it is something deeper between them, something in her nature, that compelled her to take her lover's heart. It is the same foible in her constitution that prevents her from giving it up now.

And yet somehow, she continues to hope that one day Anne can forgive her.

"But perhaps it had to be that long? The years continue to treat you kindly."