This is where Wharton applies another point of what she considers to be the ideal of short fiction. Wharton says, “In any good subject you only have to dig deep enough to bring tears to the tears,” because a good story like his must show “a close proximity of texture to depth of form” (29). It is not until the very end of "Roman Fever" that Mrs. Slade sneakily attempts to inflict pain on Mrs. Ansley through a harsh truth that is ultimately revealed to her. Ms Slade expects her revelation to be greeted by Ms Ansley with at least some level of shock and dismay. Instead, it is Mrs. Slade who is surprised. Mrs. Ansley states that not only had Delphin Slade shown up for their date that fateful day so many years before, but also that her daughter Barbara is, in fact, her child. There is a subtle but inherent irony that Mrs. Slade's cunning not only allowed the affair to come to fruition, but that her spirit of vengeance finally forces her to realize it for so many years.