"Hath she no wrongs?" he asked desperately. "How have we behaved to her, any of us? And it has always been her money. Rose and Miss Boyle are in the wrong."
"I was well advised in not making you my confidant sooner, if this is how you take it," cried Miss Chressham angrily. "Oh, you understand none of it, none; but at least be silent, do not defend the Countess Lavinia to me."
"How you hate her," he answered, in a breathless way.
Susannah's fair white hand made a gesture as if she put aside the semblance of something hideous.
"I do not care to talk of her. This is the first time that my speech has meddled in my lord's affairs"—she drew herself together, as if her mental effort braced her body; "but it becomes no less than my duty now, Marius, to bid you take care."
Marius leant forward and caught hold of the red silk window blind.
"Of what?" he asked hoarsely.
His obvious unease and agitation did not reassure Susannah.
"Of the Countess Lavinia," she answered. "Do you think Rose will endure it? Whatever he is, he is not that manner of man." Her voice held an odd note of pride.