Pellegrini placed himself with his back to the fire and coughed as he thrust one hand into his breast, previously to beginning his recitations. The guests crowded from the other rooms, and disposed themselves to listen, as if they were to understand and greatly relish Alfieri. Mrs. Vyner, taking advantage of this movement, beckoned Marmaduke to follow her, and seating herself at a small table in the inner room, began turning over the leaves of the Keepsake, and then addressing him in an under tone, said:—
"So you wanted to cut me the other night?"
"I did. Surely it was the best thing I could do." As he said this, he sat down on an ottoman opposite her.
"What! before any explanation?" she inquired, endeavouring to throw a tenderness into her tone, which she could not throw into her eyes.
"All explanation is useless when the facts are so eloquent. I neither ask for explanation, nor would I accept one."
"And you think me——" She could not proceed.
"A woman," he said, gravely.
"And what motives do you attribute?"
"Very natural and powerful motives, or they would not have influenced you. I know not what they were. I do not desire to know. Either you love me——"
"Mr. Ashley, remember I am a married woman, and this language——"