She turned to leave the alcove, but my lord rose and put himself before her.
"One moment," he spoke softly. "You have mentioned Marius."
She looked up into his beautiful face, and caught her breath, hesitating, with her domino clasped together on her bosom with a trembling hand.
"What of him?" she asked, and shook back the heavy brown curls on to her shoulders.
"I think he had better go to Paris," said the Earl.
"Yes," answered Miss Chressham. "But he will not. I have tried to persuade him."
"You must still endeavour to persuade him," said my lord; "for all our sakes."
She was agitated, frightened.
"What do you mean? I have no influence with Marius."