"Father has been gambling on the Stock Exchange—he has lost everything. Earlsmead, that has been centuries in the family; and not only that—it is not merely ruin—it is disgrace," and as she spoke, Lola put her hands over her eyes.
"Disgrace," repeated Gascoigne. "It is impossible."
"It is not really father's doing," she sobbed. "He got mixed up with shady people, and lent them his good name—and now it is smirched, or will be—the catastrophe is impending—the only door of escape is—Mr. Waldershare. He will advance money—he will stifle scandal—he is enormously rich——"
"And the reason for his liberality?" demanded Philip in a harsh key.
"Is here," replied Lola, laying her hand on her breast. "I marry him to save our good name—and Earlsmead."
"In short, you sell yourself for your family?" he cried.
"I think you might say—sacrifice myself—for my family," she answered softly, and her eyes were eloquent.
"And I am also to be sacrificed?"
"Always remember that you are free—whilst I am bound—for life."
"And you are prepared to throw me over, to marry a man old enough to be your father?" he questioned.