"Yes, thanks to the chance that left my pocketbook in my pocket," answered the prisoner, with a defiant smile, as he seated himself on the side of the cot.
"I found her with scarcely the decent necessities of life; but I have sent out to purchase for her what is needful, poor angel."
The smile died out of the viscount's face, which became pale, cold, and hard as marble. He made no reply.
"She sent you many kind messages," began Mrs. MacDonald; but the viscount interrupted her.
"Madam," he said, "I wish never to hear that woman's name mentioned in my hearing again."
"Eh, but that is strange! You will have had a misunderstanding."
"A misunderstanding! I tell you, madam, that her base cowardice, her shameful treachery, and her utter selfishness have disgusted me beyond measure."
"Eh, me! friends should na quarrel that length either. You have both had your tempers severely tried. When you get out of this trouble you will be reconciled to each other."
"Never! I loathe that woman! And if I were free to-day, my first act should be to hurry to Castle Cragg and bar the doors against her re- entrance there. And my second should be to send all her traps after her."
Finding at length that it was worse than useless to speak one word in favor of Faustina while the viscount was in his present mood of mind, Mrs. MacDonald turned the conversation by: