"But not so well as I do," cried Miss Tedder, anxious to break down her companion's composure. "Angus made me love him, and then left me all alone. He broke my heart," this with a truly effective sob.
"Rubbish," said Elspeth, rising quickly. "Say that to a man and not to another woman. Angus had a passing fancy for you, and you threw him over at the bidding of your father."
"He had more than a fancy. He adored me."
"Then why did he leave you?"
"Papa would not let me marry him; but if Angus had remained true to me, I should have remained true to him."
"Instead of taking up with Captain Bruce Kyles, I suppose," sneered Elspeth, resolved to sting in her turn.
Maud started to her feet in a fury.
"How dare you talk to me like this? You who are no better than a servant, and who will soon be a murderer's widow."
"No," cried Mrs. Herries imperatively, and facing the other girl boldly, "I intend to save my husband's life."
"You can't do it without me."