"Was she unconscious?" asked Carleigh anxiously.
"Unfortunately—no. Her screams were pitiful!"
"Don't!" he begged. "It's horrible!"
"I heard some one say it was her just recompense. You've heard she shot her husband, haven't you?"
"I've heard it, of course. But it isn't true. I know it isn't. She has the kindest heart in the world," he defended.
"Where there's smoke there's always some fire," quoted the marchioness. "We've just had proof of that. Possibly she didn't fire the shot, but I'll wager she had a hand in it."
"I'll never believe that. Never!"
"And you'll never find a cigarette for me unless you try, you know," she suggested.
"I beg your pardon," he said in a lifeless voice. "I'll go at once."
He went at once, but he forgot again almost directly. He was bent on learning more about Nina. What were her chances of life? That was what he asked every one.