"Oh, you talk!" she interrupted with a quivering voice. "And that is easy; but you have no right to stand there and tell me you are ruined. How is it with others? You had as fair chances as any."
"By Gad—no!" said the Earl softly. "I had no chance to do anything—but what I did."
My lady's anger could find no direct expression; she wavered from one charge to another.
"You could have married," she cried. "Most gentlemen strengthen their fortunes by a wealthy match. But you—who received your attentions? I forbear to name them! And now it is too late."
"Too late for a fine match—yes," said Rose Lyndwood. "I have not time to hunt an heiress before the bailiffs are in, and——"
"You would not if you could," interrupted the Countess.
"I would rather sell the estates than myself, madam."
"Your bearing is out of joint with your fortune," she returned. "Ye speak proudly. It had been a finer pride that had prevented ye coming to tell your mother ye had disgraced your name thus!"
The Earl looked away from her into the shadows at the far end of the room.