When they came to the foot of the steps Susannah held out her hand.
"Good-night, Rose; you will find them in the withdrawing-room—you do not want me—I shall go upstairs. Good-night."
He kissed her fingers.
"In the withdrawing-room? I will go round by the garden; good-night."
They parted; she to enter the house, he to make his way through the roses and laurels to the terrace at the back.
The long windows still stood open as Susannah had left them; the gleam of candle-light fell over the stone balustrade and the flowers, the hyacinths, pinks, and tulips.
Rose Lyndwood heard voices, light, laughing voices, and the rustle of silk; he stepped into the light and saw the Countess standing on the hearth.
In her fair hands she held a fine lace scarf that fell over her gleaming dress, and she was looking at Marius, who showed her an ivory framed mirror, wonderfully carved.
The Earl pushed the window a little wider open and entered the room.
"Rose!" cried his mother in a frightened voice.