'Friend!' she exclaimed, and laughed a little bitter laugh, that sounded strange from lips so fresh, so young and rosy.
'You have not yet accepted my hand.'
'Nor ever shall, Shafto Gyle,' said she defiantly, and still withholding hers.
'Melfort!' said he menacingly.
'I knew and shall always know you as Shafto Gyle.'
It was not quite a random speech this, but it stung the hearer. He crimsoned with fury, and thought—'She is as vindictive as Finella. Has she discovered anything about me?'
'Shafto, do you know that the dressing-bell was rung some time since?' said Lady Fettercairn with the same asperity, as she appeared in the corridor.
Both started. How long had she been there, and what had she overheard? was in the mind of each.