"I am not the heir to an earldom," he said; "I do not ride with a score of gentlemen at my back. They have some wonderful diamonds, have they not—Countess?"
"Felix!"
"It is no use. Yes, your voice is sweet, I know. But you, all of you, despise me. I am nothing, no one!"
"You are all, everything, to me."
"You were with—with Durand the whole time."
"I could not help myself."
"Not help yourself! Do you think I believe that?"
"Felix, dear. I tell you I could not help myself; I could not, indeed. You do not know all—"
"No, probably not. I do not know the terms of the marriage contract."
"Felix, there is no such thing. Why, what has come to you? How pale you look! Sit down!" for he had risen.