"What do you mean? I speak of my duel with Sir Francis. I will find another second."
Miss Chressham, in the shadowed background, started convulsively, shivered and drooped.
"No, no!" struck in Marius, sharply. "I will be there."
"What is my affront from Sir Francis compared to this I take from you?" said my lord, still with glowing eyes, and that fixed, proud smile. "I do not wish to see your face again, my brother. You will not come to-morrow."
Marius stood silent, and Susannah made a little moaning sound.
"Come, my lady!" commanded the Earl. "Your confidante is waiting below. Shall we not end this miserable comedy that we have not wit nor courage to carry through?"
In a slow, mechanical way she gathered up her hat and gloves.
"I am accursed!" she said under her breath. "Well, God judge you, Marius!"
He did not move nor speak.