Marius faced his brother again, containing himself by an extreme effort of his fierce young pride.
"Is there anything I can do?" he said gallantly. "Anything I ought to say?"
"Oh, Marius!" said my lord in his charming low voice, "'tis all as clear as glass!"
"'Tis all miserable and horrible!" burst out Marius. "I would not have it so," his eyes were passionate and his voice rough, with tears maybe.
Rose Lyndwood very faintly smiled, his lids had a weary droop, but under them his glance was keenly on his brother, who had begun to fumble in the ruffles at his breast.
"You must take this now," he said more quietly, and pulled out a locket on a blue ribbon, "her picture"—he unfastened the ribbon and laid the miniature on the desk; "not like her, though—but like enough."
"If you would care to keep it," said my lord, never lowering his eyes from the other's face.
"I do not care," answered Marius, "that vision is over," he made an obvious attempt to speak quietly; "will you tell them that I have gone to London—I do not wish to see our lady mother about it, no, nor yet Susannah."
The Earl rose.
"I will tell them, but say good-bye to my lady or I shall be sorely blamed."