Rylton changes colour. It is such a sudden change that the girl goes over to him and lays her hand upon his chest.
"Did you think—all this time—that I did not know?" says she, raising her eyes to his—such solemn young eyes. "I have known it a long, long time. Always, I think! Your mother told me when we went to the Hall after our—trip abroad."
"She told you what?"
It is a last effort to spare—— To spare whom? Marian or himself—or—— All at once he knows it is Tita whom he would spare.
"Ah, that is useless," says Tita, with a slight gesture. "She told me a great deal then; she has told me more to-day."
"To-day?"
"A few last items," says the girl, her eyes burning into his as she stands before him, her hand upon his breast. "Shall I tell them to you? You married me for my money! You ruined your life"—she seems to be looking back and repeating things that had been said to her—"by doing that. Your mother" slowly, "seemed sorry that your life was ruined!"
"Tita!"
"No, listen; there is a little more. You only consented to make me your wife when you found Mrs. Bethune would not have you."
"You shall hear me," says he.