"He is. She is always howling after him," taunted the venomous little man; "but she sold herself to me, and——"
"And you did not pay the price," said Constance, scornful and still.
"No," Dolly chuckled. "I got the better of you there. But you are my wife now, and I'll make you pay. Shepworth can marry that criminal girl whenever he likes. I hope he will, so as to torment you."
Mrs. Rover's eyes flashed. "Ned shall never marry——" she began, when Prelice made a sign to her to keep the secret of the new engagement, and spoke himself, coldly and sternly.
"Miss Chent's character has been perfectly cleared by her acquittal, Mr. Rover, and if you dare to say a word against her I shall throw you out of the window."
"How brave you are in defending Shepworth's bride," said Dolly, wincing at the flash in Prelice's blue eyes.
"I am," replied the other, not contradicting the mistake under which he saw Dolly laboured; "but as yet you have not proved your innocence."
"There is no need to prove it." Rover's voice whimpered unsteadily. "It is ridiculous to accuse me."
"This dress was hidden in your cupboard," insisted Prelice.
"What of that? This room was used as a place for the coats and hats of the men who came to the ball. Any one of them might have hidden the domino and frock there. I did not. I received my guests unmasked, and afterwards put on a black silk domino."