Malcourt's patience was fast going.
"Oh, for Heaven's sake, Shiela, shed your swaddling clothes and act like something adult. Is there any reason why two people situated as we are cannot discuss sensibly some method of mitigating our misfortune? I'll do anything you say in the matter. Divorce is a good thing sometimes. This is one of the times, and I'll give you every reason for a successful suit against me—"
She rose, cheeks aflame, and in her eyes scorn ungovernable.
He rose too, exasperated.
"You won't consider it?" he asked harshly.
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because I'm not coward enough to ask others to bear the consequences of my own folly and yours!"
"You little fool," he said, "do you think your family would let you endure me for one second if they knew how you felt? Or what I am likely to do at any moment?"
She stood, without replying, plainly waiting for him to leave the room and her apartments. All her colour had fled.