He gave her a flashing glance.
"So do I," he said quickly.
Susannah made a movement of despair and desperation.
"Your marriage was unforgivable, Rose," she cried bitterly. "You know always she was 'bourgeoise,' and worse—and now—what have you come to that you laugh at your wife—your wife doing this unspeakable thing?"
"What am I to do if I do not laugh?" asked my lord. "Again, what is your wish?"
"That you should decide for yourself," answered Susannah quickly. "In a manner I have been forced to interfere, I have also been forced to speak to you now, at this unseasonable time, in this foolish place, and I cannot say all that might come into my mind"—she paused and bit her lip; "as for her—that was all her message to you, Rose, that you should, for her sake, keep quiet. I do not know if she was right or not."
My lord considered her curiously.
"Would you have me provoke a duel, Susannah?"
Her expression suddenly and painfully changed.
"I would have you want to, Rose," she answered with subdued vehemence; "but my feelings are not in the question, only, perhaps, I know you better than she does, and I am sorry——"