"As things are, is that not a little ungrateful, my dear? And he deserves your gratitude—poor Mr. Drayton!"
"What has Grace got to be grateful for to that unhappy man?" asked Paul, with very faint curiosity.
"The money, my dear, the fortune; surely you know?"
"I hold my money from my sister," said Grace, defiantly.
"Ah! but, my dear, if he had not left it to your sister she could not have given it to you!" said Lady Lyons, quite sure now that she had put the case convincingly.
Grace grew as white as marble; she did not dare look at Paul. Rallying all her power, she said—
"It makes a great difference taking money from my sister and taking it from Mr. Drayton."
"I see no difference," said Paul, in a cold hard tone she had not believed him capable of.
"There!" said Lady Lyons. "Paul will perhaps convince you—since that money came to you...."
"Do leave the subject alone, Lady Lyons—it is hateful to me!"