The Earl shrugged his shoulders.
"A woman's generous blindness, my dear."
"A woman's clearer vision," she retorted hotly. "You are blind, Rose, to have known Marius all his life and still imagine he could miserably intrigue for your death; he appeared at the meeting, after your insult, out of pure honour."
"He appeared as my second, against my will, and my pistol had been drawn," returned the Earl dryly. "Also he had refused to fight me."
"Because I asked it of him, and for that I can never forgive myself," said Miss Chressham bitterly.
My lord laughed.
"I think he was fond of you."
Miss Chressham looked into the fire.
"I have not seen him since he threw up his commission," she said thoughtfully; "nor may I see him again, but I shall believe in him always."
"He is still in Holland?" asked the Earl lightly.