"By the right of a sister's love."
"Bah! I don't believe that there is such a thing. Certainly, so far as Ferdy is concerned, there isn't brotherly love on his part. He would sell you for a five-pound note."
Clarice felt a pang, for she knew how truly the dancer spoke. "I agree with you there," she replied, sadly.
"My dear, he isn't worth it," said Zara, in a softer tone. "Well?"
"Well?" Clarice looked up.
"Speak away," said Zara, impatiently; "I'm all attention. What do you want to ask me?"
"Ah, now we are coming to business."
"About time," interpolated the other woman.
"Oh, I shall dispose of my business very shortly," said Clarice, sharply; "You want to marry Ferdy. To gain your ends, you told Prudence Clarke a lie about her father."
Zara was quite unmoved, and blew smoke through her delicate nostrils. "Prudence has told you, then?"