"Prudence was not in my inheritance," he said slowly. "If you take it as a disgrace that my fortune was not equal to my position—" He broke off. "In any case, my lady, 'tis tedious and painful to discuss the matter."
"You have no thought for me!" The Countess flung reproaches at him. "Oh, none at all! Nor what this means to me, or to Marius! Did you ever consider us when you wasted your father's heritage?"
"My father?" repeated the Earl. "I have lived as he lived, only 'tis my misfortune to have faced the consequences."
Lady Lyndwood very tightly clutched the back of the chair; the wavering candle-light sought out her face and showed it wild and sad beneath the loose blonde hair.
Rose Lyndwood suddenly turned his beautiful head and looked at her.
"Have you nothing but bitterness for me, my lady?" he asked.
"I think of Marius," she answered.
The Earl's face hardened again.
"Marius has the world before him."
"You have broken his heart—you! And to-night he came back to me so joyously! Listen! He met a lady abroad; he hoped to marry her."