"It does, almost," replied the girl, wearily.
"Then let me do you another favor. Mr. Davlin is no more my brother than he is yours."
Madeline's answer fairly took her breath away. "Madame, you are very good, but I have known that from the first."
"What!" gasped the woman; adding, after a moment of silence, "Is he your lover as well as—"
"Yours?" finished Madeline. "And what then, Mrs. Arthur?"
"Then," hissed Cora; "then, I hate you both."
Madeline laughed bitterly. "As you have told me a secret, and as I don't want to remain in your debt, I will tell you one in return. Lucian Davlin is my lover, but I am his bitterest foe!"
Cora came closer and looked her eagerly in the face. "What has he done to you?" she asked, breathlessly.
"You may find out later; just now we are even. Understand, no word of warning to him, if you value your safety. Obey my wishes, and when I am done with you, you may go free. Attempt any treachery, and I will give you up to justice."
"I shan't put myself in jeopardy for him now, whatever I might have done. You may believe that."