'I was only examining it,' she faltered.
'Only examining it!' he snarled; 'very, closely apparently, and in what quarter did your geographical studies lie? Why, your lips were absolutely upon it.'
'A giddiness came over me,' replied Eveline, ashamed alike of her sudden emotion and enforced duplicity.
He eyed her viciously, and his eyes glittered dangerously.
'At luncheon this afternoon you were more dull and distraite even than I have seen you before,' said he, peering at her through his gold pince-nez. 'Now, pray, what was the meaning of that? What ails you—what oppresses you?'
'It is very wrong. I cannot help it,' urged the girl, desperately.
'Like all the rest of the world, you were thinking of—I suppose, Egypt?'
'I was, Sir Paget.'
'D—n Egypt, and everyone there!' exclaimed the baronet, coarsely and savagely. 'What is Egypt to you, madam, in particular?'
'My brother——'