"You have dared!" he cried, forgetting himself at the thought of Leone's face.
She turned her fair face proudly to him.
"I have dared," she replied; "I refuse to speak or see Madame Vanira again—she must not cross the threshold of my door again."
Lord Chandos grew deadly pale as he heard the words.
"And I say that you wrong a good and blameless woman, Marion, when you say such words."
"My lord, am I or am I not at liberty to choose my friends?" she asked, haughtily.
"Certainly you are at liberty to do just as you please in that respect," he replied.
"Then among them I decline to receive Madame Vanira," she said.
"As you refuse to see my friends, I must go to meet them," said Lord Chandos.
And then between husband and wife began one of those scenes which leave a mark on both their lives—cruel, hard, unjust and bitter words—hard and cruel thoughts.