"How can I know," he answered, "before I have opened it?" His dark eyes challenged hers with a look at once defiant and pleading; the even pallor of her face did not change, nor did she lower her glance as he tore open the envelope. "A ticket for Grafton's mask to-morrow," he said, throwing it on a chair; the letter enclosing it he thrust back into the envelope carelessly.
"There was no need to obtain that from her," answered Susannah wearily and coldly.
"I shall not go," said Marius; "unless I might escort you there."
She faintly smiled.
"Did my lady send two tickets? No, I do not wish to go, Marius."
"Why will you not?" he demanded. "My lady will be going—and Rose, I doubt not."
"Indeed, I do not care for it."
"Ye take pleasure in evading my company and in refusing my requests!" said Marius fiercely, and, picking up the Countess's ticket and the Countess's letter, he left the room with an angry step.
Susannah Chressham remained in a reflective attitude. She was not thinking of Marius—indeed, she had hardly noticed the manner of his departure.