"There is no justification of what you have done," answered his brother, gazing at him. "A pauper, a beggar! I think I hate you, my lord!"
The Earl moved slightly towards him.
"As you will," he said quickly; "but remember ye held no bond of mine for the fortune you imagined. All you had I gave you."
Marius rose; his face was pale and passionate. Since they had entered the room his expression had changed utterly.
"So ye would remind me that I have been living on your charity!" he cried. "That ye have educated me——"
Lord Lyndwood interrupted.
"I had not thought you would take it so hardly, Marius. I did the only thing there was to do—what my father would have desired me to do. While the money was there we spent it." He looked into his brother's angry eyes and his face hardened. "I can say no more."
Marius struck his hand on the lace at his breast.
"There will be much more to be said, much more," he answered. "You have spoilt my life for me"—he suddenly laughed—"and I suppose I take it damned ungracefully. Good night, my lord."
He went out of the room and closed the heavy door after him with a force that caused the candle flame to flicker and the window to shake.