"It will matter to Miss Boyle."
"Do you also think of her—not at all of me?"
He did not answer.
"She is a gentlewoman," said the Countess slowly. "But do you think she hath behaved honourably?"
"Why must I accuse her?" he asked, goaded.
"Because I think you are not like the others—or thought so once. Can you not look at it straightly? He married me for my money, not even troubling to disguise his contempt of me, his liking for another. For a year he exchanges regretful sighs with this other, and the money goes, and the hate increases, and she writes to him. Well——"
"The money!" said Marius quickly. "Is Rose in difficulties?"
"What do you imagine?" answered the Countess. "You see how he lives? I do not know how long my father can or will endure. My lady is not sparing of her demands."
"Do not speak like that," interrupted Marius hotly. "'Tis my family, madam."