Marion glanced up and smiled. "Say cynical, monsieur," she murmured quietly. "My good friend, Sir Charles Venner, persists in believing that we love each other—you and I—in spite of the fact that scarcely a month ago I deserted you in order to marry Sir William Dagmar."
"On his death-bed, madame!" cut in Sir Charles, in tones of ice. "You forget that you are now a rich young widow."
"Well, sir?"
"And that you have steadily refused to account to me for his money, which should have been placed, long ere this, at the disposal of our order."
"Sir William Dagmar bound me with an oath as he lay dying——"
"You have told me that story before," interrupted Sir Charles. Marion shrugged her shoulders, and put into her mouth a morsel of bread.
"Go on someone!" I cried impatiently. "See! I am utterly in your power. Why not enlighten me? Surely you are not afraid!"
Beudant placed beside my plate a cup of coffee.
Sir Charles coughed behind his hand. "I am only afraid that your appetite may be spoiled," he observed.
"Not at all," I retorted. "Watch me!" I began to eat, for in truth I was very hungry.