An amazed glance was followed by a laugh that seemed half a sob.
"M. de Fontelles! M. de Fontelles! No, no, but don't tell Simon."
Carford's lips bent in a forced smile uglier than a scowl.
"You love this fellow?"
"You have heard."
"And he loves you?"
The sneer was bitter and strong. In it seemed now to lie Carford's only hope. Barbara met his glance an instant, and her answer to him was,
"Go, go."
"He loves you?"
"Leave me. I beg you to leave me. Ah, God, won't you leave me?"