"It is true, Marion."
"True?" she repeated, vacantly, "true, Lance?"
"Yes, the gossips have reported correctly; it is quite true."
But he was not prepared for the effect of the words on her. Her fair face grew pale, her tender arms released their hold and fell.
"True?" she repeated, in a low, faint voice, "true that you took Madame Vanira out for a day, and that you were seen by these people with her?"
"Yes, it is true," he replied.
And the poor child flung her arms in the air, as she cried out:
"Oh, Lance, it is a sword in my heart, and it has wounded me sorely."