"Why do you speak in such fashion, Rose?" she cried.
He laughed.
"I do not bring the best of news—for Marius."
"It is as if I had known you were going to say that," answered Miss Chressham, shivering; "come into the temple."
He followed her under the Doric portico into the cool pillared interior; through the doorway the moonshine streamed, and the light perfume of violets seemed to emanate from the smooth polished columns.
The Earl crossed to one of the square windows and stared across his park; his bearing showed a man weary, indifferent, and reckless.
A marble seat ran round the wall; Susannah Chressham leant against it and turned her eyes on her cousin; but, owing to the thick shadows, she could only see the outline of his figure.
"Won't you tell me what this means, Rose?" she asked. "You used always to confide in me."
"Vastly unfair on you," he answered lightly, but without gaiety; "give me credit for outgrowing my selfishness—or some of it."