"And do you believe this?" he said, with intense calmness. "Do you really believe that he wants a picture?"
"No; I believe that to be an excuse...."
"An excuse! By God! she knows it!"
"It is a delicate way of assisting us.—That is the conduct of the man whom you have outraged by your suspicions."
Cecil was stupefied. Her perception of the subterfuge quite staggered him.
"So, so—he thinks to buy you, does he?" he at last said, choking with rage.
She coloured deeply with shame, and exclaimed,—
"Oh, Cecil! Cecil!"
"Well then, to buy me! He thinks I am to be patronized.... to be his workman.... to receive his orders.... to receive his money! Blanche, this cheque is either an outrage to you, or an insult to me. Don't speak! .... Not another word."
He rose, and put on his hat.