"I should not come to you for testimony, I think. I am afraid it would not be favourable. I am glad you are not the majority."
"Probably I do not know you as others do, or perhaps others do not know you as I do. But why have you abandoned the project of the marriage?"
"You insist on putting the responsibility on me," he said with a touch of irritation beneath his laugh.
"I can understand that the question is awkward."
"Not in the least. You see, you raised most unexpectedly the point about the admirable and excellent gentleman who was Madame's husband; and it must perforce be postponed until the proofs of his death are forthcoming. Thus it is rather your doing than mine;" and he shrugged his shoulders.
"You have found them more difficult to manufacture than you anticipated, I presume?"
"That is a very serious charge, very lightly made, Miss Gilmore." His assumption of offence was excellent.
"I am not speaking lightly, Count Gustav. When we parted last time you said that the proofs of the death of Madame's husband should be produced. Within a few hours I heard that the marriage had been postponed; you now say it was because those proofs cannot be produced. There must be a reason for such a sudden change of front; and I have suggested it. If you prefer, we will leave it that the proofs cannot be found or fabricated in time to suit you."
He heard me out with darkening face, and then crossed to Madame d'Artelle and offered her his hand.
"I think, Madame, it will be more convenient for me to leave now. With a lady we cannot resent an insult; we can only protect ourselves from further insult by leaving."