"It is well enough," he said, looking away. "What did I expect? I suppose my lady is pleased?"
"She takes it for granted. She never realised it."
The Earl rose and crossed to the fireplace.
"And Marius?"
"Marius is happy; you have that satisfaction."
Susannah's eyes were anxious and tender as she gazed at her cousin.
"That is, as you say, some satisfaction," said my lord. "Otherwise it was not worth it—by God, not worth it!"
His tone, his expression, startled her.
"Why did you do it?" she cried. "You were madly reckless."