"Rose has a chivalrous soul," said Miss Chressham.
Marius flushed.
"You, with him, make me out a selfish boor, maybe," and the crimson deepened in his cheeks. "I was passionate with my lord, but he hath given me no chance to put it aright."
They were now skirting the borders of the lake, and their bright dresses were reflected like painted shadows in the still water.
Susannah spoke firmly.
"What Rose has done he did because he was the head of the house and because you and my lady made it clear that you expected his duty of him—it was natural that you should——"
"Ye make me uneasy with this talk of his sacrifice," cried Marius.
"I said duty, not sacrifice," returned Miss Chressham; "this marriage hath saved the estates, the name, my lady and you."
It was at the irises growing at the water's edge that Marius struck now with his impetuous cane.