Bernick.
You were inconsiderate in those days.
Lona.
Mainly for the sake of annoying the prudes, both in trousers and petticoats, that infested the town. And then you fell in with that fascinating young actress——
Bernick.
The whole thing was a piece of folly—nothing more. I swear to you, not a tithe of the scandal and tittletattle was true.
Lona.
Perhaps not; but then Betty came home—young, beautiful, idolised by every one—and when it became known that she was to have all our aunt’s money, and I nothing——
Bernick.
Yes, here we are at the root of the matter, Lona; and now you shall hear the plain truth. I did not love Betty then; it was for no new fancy that I broke with you. It was entirely for the sake of the money; I was forced to do it; I had to make sure of the money.