“If you can take that low creature’s word against mine, why need I attempt a defense?”
Marie’s husband spoke up quickly:
“I can corroborate Mrs. Bonair’s word in one thing. Last night I saw the horseman she spoke of ride up to the gate, saw Miss Montague meet him and walk away with him. Afterward witnessed their return and parting, with a kiss. You remember, Dallas, I told you and asked your advice?”
“And I counseled secrecy over what seemed the close of perhaps a harmless flirtation,” Dallas Dreem replied.
“You should have told us!” pouted the young wives, darting angry glances at Rosalind, who, seeing the game was all up, cleared her throat and said angrily, defiantly:
“Take your hands off me, sirs; I shall not touch the little liar. I am only going to say that I admit everything, and am only sorry I did not kill both her and Charley in the bear pit.”
Her blue eyes blazed fury, and Senator Bonair cried wrathfully:
“I shall be forever grateful to Berenice for unmasking you and saving me from a detested marriage. Now go to your lover; we must be rid of you as soon as possible!”
“Would you send me away penniless?” cried Rosalind, angry and humiliated at the utter failure of her schemes. “I sold my jewels to come to you, and my lover is a poor man!”
The senator plucked a great roll of bills from his pocket and tossed them at her feet.