"Lance, I do not like it," she said, slowly; "and I do not understand. I thought Madame Vanira was so good and true?"
"So she is," he replied. "You must not say one word against her."
"I have no wish; but if she is so good why should she try to take my husband from me?"
"She has not done so," he replied, angrily. "Marion, I will not be annoyed by a jealous wife."
"I am not jealous, Lance," she replied; "but when I am told such a story, and it proves to be true, what am I to do?"
"Say nothing, Marion, which is always the wisest thing a woman can do," he replied.
His wife gazed at him with proud indignation.
"I do not like the tone in which you speak of this; tell me frankly, is it with Madame Vanira you spend all the time which you pass away from home?"
"I shall say nothing of Madame Vanira," he replied.
She drew nearer to him; she laid one white hand on his shoulder and looked wistfully into his face.