Lady Dalrymple drew back, the letter held to her bosom.
“I give up my friends at your desire,” she said. “This is an insult.”
Their eyes exchanged hatred, furious on his side, fear mingled with hers.
“Give it to me,” he repeated hoarsely.
“No,” she answered, “you have no right.”
“No right!” He half-laughed. “Do you defy me?”
Her spirit rose at his tone.
“You go too far, Sir John,” she shuddered. “Stand further away from me,” and at the same instant she flung the letter into the fire, her eyes flashing with anger.
“You may think what you will of the contents,” she said. “And I did—”
“You did what, madam?”