“You lie!” Fitzgerald stepped closer and his hands closed menacingly.
“Thank you,” said Maurice, “thank you. But why not complete the melodrama by striking, since you have doubled your fists?”
Fitzgerald glared at him.
“Monsieur,” interposed the countess, “do not forget that you are a gentleman; Monsieur Carewe's hands are tied.”
“Unfortunately,” observed Maurice.
Madame looked curiously at the countess, while Fitzgerald drew back to the table and rested on it.
“I can not comprehend how you dared return,” Madame resumed. “One who watches over my affairs has informed me of your dishonorable act.”
“What do you call a dishonorable act?” Maurice inquired quietly.
“One who breaks his sacred promise!” quickly.
The prisoner laughed maliciously. Madame had answered the question as he hoped she would. “Chickens come home to roost. What do you say to that, my lord?” to the Englishman.