"Only say one thing, that I am not the cause——"
"I cannot say it," said Margaret, vehemently; "you offered us a home, and you made that home unbearable."
"You are ungenerous."
"Were you generous when you taunted us, when you said we were to go?"
"I never said so to you."
"You said it to Grace, my sister, whom I love better than my life."
Then his temper rose, and he said cruel and bitter things of Grace; and Margaret stood up, and, resuming her reserve and coldness, faced him.
"It is nothing to you," she began, in low tones, "you say these things, and expect me to hear them. I do not value your love for me—if you do love me as you say—because you will extend no forbearance to my sister. You cannot separate us—in feeling. She is part of myself, and—for her sake—things can be met that would otherwise be impossible."
Mr. Sandford was silent. He never realised the effect of his violence, and he was conscious of so much liking for Margaret that he thought her ungrateful for not returning his affection in some degree.
"I will have neither act nor part in this marriage," he said, rising.