Miss Boyle replied proudly.
"I do you some honour. You have no claim on me. I might have put you off with lies, it is not over easy to tell the truth—his truth to you."
"Would you had lied sooner than I had heard it!" he answered bitterly. "It is not, madam, pleasant news."
"You had to know. There must be no duel."
This flicked him into a passion as if it had been an insult or a blow.
"You cannot imagine, madam, that what you have told me can make any difference. By heaven, you do not dare to ask me to ignore this!"
"After what I have confessed!" she cried, bewildered, piteous.
Sir Francis gave a short laugh.
"You have confessed too much, madam. It has not increased my respect for Lord Lyndwood, nor altered my intentions."