"This is a foolish time for you to choose," she said.
"'Tis a foolish time for you to still be in your chamber," he retorted sharply.
My lady jerked her shoulders peevishly.
"What are you here to say?"
Mr. Hilton glanced round the dishevelled room with an air of disgust; his shrewd, expressionless face hardened.
"You may call this living like a great lady, but I call it living like a slut," he remarked.
"I am neither one nor the other, but—your daughter," she answered insolently, "and if this is to prove a tirade on virtue——"
Mr. Hilton folded his hands behind him.
"It is to be a few words about money," he said briefly. "I came unexpectedly because that way I have a greater chance of finding you."
The Countess straightened herself.