He inclined his head.
"Yes, it is true; but I had not met—I had not heard——Oh, what is the use of all this recrimination, Luce? I am engaged to the girl I love."
She raised her hand as if to strike him. He caught it gently, and as gently released it.
"I will go," she panted. "I will go at once. Be good enough to order my carriage——"
She put her hand to her head as if she did not know what she was saying; and Drake's heart ached with pity for her—at that moment, at any rate.
"Don't think too hardly of me, Luce," he said, in a low voice. "And you have not lost much, remember."
She clasped her hands and swayed to and fro for a moment.
"I see! It is your revenge. I once jilted you, and now——"
"For God's sake, don't say—don't think——No man could be so base, so vile!" he said sternly.
She laughed.