"You glossed it with self-sacrifice, it was to save your brother, your mother, the estates—anything but for yourself, because you could not face life without money."
Again the uncontrollable colour betrayed my lord, suffusing his face painfully.
"Why are you saying this?"
"Oh, I have been longing to say it ever since we were married; I think I have my chance now"—her voice trembled with passion—"ever since you ordered me from the room. Do you remember—that night you brought me home, and your brother turned his back on me?"
"By God," cried the Earl, "this is intolerable; are we to exchange recriminations?" He moved towards her. "I have that on my mind makes you and your father and his damned money of no moment to me."
The Countess rose, sweeping the flame-coloured domino to the floor.
"Ah, Miss Boyle!" she said through her teeth. "She was at the ball to-night."
"I will not endure this from you, madam."
"That is monstrous amusing," cried the Countess, and her eyes flew wide. "Do you imagine that I do not know——"