- Charles Forsythe: Paradise Lost. Appropriate, don't you think? 'Headlong themselves they threw Down from the verge of heaven, eternal wrath Burnt after them to the bottomless pit.' I can recite Paradise Lost from begging to end. Each syllable etched on my brain like monograms of the family silver.
- Lottie Robinson: You're a strange combination. I can't help wondering what happened to turn you into what you are!
- Charles Forsythe: An accident at birth. I have a twin brother, Richard. So alike we could use each other for a mirror. It was my ill fortune to be born eighteen minutes the younger. Richard, therefore, inherited the Forsythe title, monies, lands, whilst I inherited nothing! You've probably never heard of English law, which states, "The first born son inherits all." The rest... nothing.
- Lottie Robinson: Not even the virtues of your family? Gallantry? Compassion?
- Charles Forsythe: And mercy? Hmm? Are you begging for your family?
- Lottie Robinson: Yes
- Charles Forsythe: Too late. Being cast out of the world a man belongs in purges anyone of such virtues. No, madam, don't put in hope in my sympathy. I live for one thing only.
- Lottie Robinson: A handful of gold and jewels.
- Charles Forsythe: No. For revenge. You think I'm rotting in these forsaken tropics by choice? No, nor by chance. Richard had me shipped out here in a stinking cargo hold like so much ballast!
- Lottie Robinson: Why would he do such a thing?
- Charles Forsythe: We were in love with the same woman. And, now with the idol, I can return to England and square accounts with them both.
- Lottie Robinson: Is that worth my children's lives?
- Charles Forsythe: Madam, all of your lives will be spared once your husband brings me back the idol.