"Not the same as you apprehended it last night," answered Rose Lyndwood, and laughed outright. "And, for the rest, is it ever worth while to ask my meaning?"
"Come away!" breathed Miss Boyle.
"No." Her cousin turned from her. "His lordship hath somewhat to answer to me."
"You think so," said my lord. "Well, you know where to find me, Sir Francis."
Miss Boyle broke into an agony of whispered words.
"What has happened? Take me away—for my sake, Francis—my lord!"
The Earl disregarded the entreaty of voice and eyes. He did not look at her, but at the man she stood beside.
"Yesterday you were too slow, as to-night you go too fast," cried Sir Francis, "and either humour is one not to be borne. So you shall hear from me, my lord."
"No!" exclaimed Miss Boyle, striking her hand on her bosom. "Take that back, sir. You know not what you say—what you do!" She clasped his hand, but the passion of her imploring eyes was all for Rose Lyndwood. "Grant me the right to ask this of you. Take that back."
But her cousin answered hotly.