Belle’s eyes opened wide. The apprehension of what was coming shone out in them, and Hammond, mistaking the meaning of that apprehension, faltered in his purpose.
“Speak! What is it?” she commanded.
“It is something which concerns yourself.”
Was he going to repeat to her the gossip at which the marchioness had only hinted, to tell her to her face that their names had been joined in the world’s calumnious breath? She gazed at him in absolute bewilderment.
“Tell it me—quickly!” she breathed.
“I am ashamed to repeat such a slander. Yet, since it is in circulation, it is only right that you should know it, if only that you may cause it to be crushed.”
“Yes; please go on.”
“They say—they pretend—they connect your name with—”
“With yours, sir?” She sat upright, with flashing eyes.
“Great heavens, no!” He stared back at her with little less amazement than her own.