"Yes, sir."
"And that's why—you go on the tear?"
"Partly," the Marquis muttered.
"And why you try to forget—with other women?"
The Marquis nodded, head sinking.
"It's foolish."
"My God, sir," the Marquis burst out suddenly, "you don't understand—you don't know the shame—or what I've lost—or the hopelessness of what's ahead—or——"
His was a cry of agony.
"Steady, boy," replied Hector. "I understand—perfectly. I know—what this has meant to you."
Again came momentary silence.