"I speak of honour, madam, which belongeth not to birth," retorted Susannah.
Lady Lyndwood flung back her head.
"There was nought of honour in the bargain," she said. "Your house hath had the money and spent it, and now I think it is my turn."
"Marius!" cried Miss Chressham. "Help me—help me in what I have come to do!"
He moved forward slowly, with his head bent, and at sight of him both the women were silent, so clearly was he labouring with an almost unendurable agony of soul.
"How shall I adjust this?" he asked. "How?"
"There is nothing to adjust," said the Countess. "You have decided."
"I also," said Miss Chressham. "I have decided that you return to-night—that you shall return, madam, and before my lord notices your absence. Do you suppose that your insanity can be permitted to work this mad mischief?"
It was Marius who answered.