"Take it so, if you will." The Countess's voice wavered and sank. "But remember it, we are not like to speak on this matter again."
She moved towards the stairs, Susannah staring after her with a full glance of horror. At the newel post she paused and looked over her shoulder.
"Mad? Strange you should use that word," she said huskily, "but I am very sane, madam."
Slowly she went up the wide stairs of Lyndwood Holt, and Rose's cousin watched her until the childish violet-clad figure disappeared in the shadows.
PART II
THE SECOND HOME-COMING OF MARIUS LYNDWOOD
The Countess Agatha laid down her novel and looked across the beautiful room at her niece, who was drawing the white and gold curtains over the twilight prospect of the Haymarket.