The door opened and Susannah Chressham stepped into the chamber.
CHAPTER XIII
MARIUS DECIDES
Miss Chressham closed the door, and the Countess Lavinia was again surprised in Marius, for he did not thrust her from him nor give any sign of start or shame. His hand remained where it was, resting on the spinet behind her, but she loosened her clasp on his lace and drew herself erect.
Susannah was the most ill at ease of the three.
"What shall I say," she murmured, halting within the door—"to either of you?" she added; but her speech was directed wholly to her cousin. She ignored the Countess.
"I am sorry that you have come," he answered, not looking at her, "for here, madam, is a matter you cannot mend."
"Have you followed me?" demanded the Countess violently.