Diana wantonly stripped a rose of its petals, letting each fragrant leaf flutter slowly to the ground.
"I do not see why you cannot, sir."
"No woman would share my disgrace."
"No?"
"No."
"You seem very certain, Mr. Carr. Pray have you asked the lady?"
"No, madam." Carstares was as white as she was red, but he was holding himself well in hand.
"Then—" the husky voice was very low, "then—why don't you?"
The slim hand against the tree trunk was clenched tightly, she observed. In his pale face the blue eyes burnt dark.
"Because, madam, 'twere the action of a—of a—"