"That makes it all the more unfortunate that you are married to me still," says Rylton icily.
"I may be married to you—I shan't live with you," says Tita.
"We shall see to that," says Rylton, who has lost his head a little.
"Yes, I shall," returns she, with open defiance.
Meantime Margaret, who had been crushed by that first onslaught on her, has recovered herself a little. To appeal to Tita again is useless; but to Maurice—she must say a word of entreaty to Maurice. Tita has been most unjust, but men are of nobler make. Maurice will understand.
"I think," says she very gently, catching his eye, "that it would be better for you to—to discuss all this—with Tita—alone. I shall go, but I beg of you, Maurice, to——"
"Pray don't beg anything of me," says Maurice, turning upon her with an expression that bodes no good to anyone. "I should think you ought to be the last person in the world to ask a favour of me."
"Good gracious! what have I done now?" exclaims Margaret shrinking back, and cut to the heart by this fresh affront.
"You knew she was there, behind that screen, and you never gave me even a hint about it. A hint would have been sufficient, but——"
"I did!" says Margaret, driven to bay. "I told you I had a headache, and that you were to go away—but you wouldn't!"