“How did you get it?”
“Does that matter?”
“You have heard of something about him?”
“No.”
“You have seen him, then; I say, you have seen him?”
Anthony hesitated. He pushed the champagne bottle over towards Sergius. It had been placed on a little table near the fireplace.
“No; I don't want to drink. Why on earth don't you answer me, Anthony?”
“I have always felt that Vernon was a coward. His conduct to you shows it. He was—or seemed—your friend. He saw you deeply in love with this—with Olga. He chose to ruin her after he knew of your love. Who but a coward could act in such a way?”
An expression of dark impatience came into the eyes of Sergius.
“You are confusing treachery and cowardice, and you are doing it untruthfully. You have seen Vernon.”