"I am ruined, you rake-helly fop! Do you hear me? Ruined!"

"We are not alone!" exclaimed my lord, glancing with horrified eyes on the older man.

"Where is Lavinia?" shrieked Mr. Hilton. "Lavinia, you have ruined me! I am a beggar! Do you hear? God curse you, my lady!"

A shudder ran through the room. The Earl stepped to where the Countess lay, and raised the heavy curtain so that the light fell over the bed.

"My lady does not care," he said wildly, and pointed to her face.

PART III

CHAPTER I

THE CONFESSION OF ROSE LYNDWOOD