"Do I?" he said, with his inscrutable smile. "I had forgotten."
Lord Montreal, with a face in which every vestige of colour was wanting, gravely congratulated Hilda, then, turning to her sister, said in a voice the agitation of which he could not conceal, "No one, Miss Maud, more warmly congratulates you or more fervently wishes you happiness."
Before the astonished girl could reply he had left the scene. It may safely be said that Maud now bitterly regretted the success of the works. She understood that Montreal, a poor man, was too proud to owe to any woman enormous wealth. "What can I do with it? How can I get rid of it?" she wailed to Hilda, who in a moment took in the situation.
"Maud dearest," she said, "control yourself. All will be well." And she led her sister off the dais into the cruiser, in which they returned to Lady Taieri's house. They met Montreal in the gallery leading to their apartments. He bowed gravely.
Maud could not restrain herself. "You will kill me, Montreal," she said. "What do I care for wealth?"
"Maud, you would not have me sacrifice my self-respect," he said, and passed on.
He seemed almost unconscious where he was going. He was roused from his bitter reverie.
"Colonel Laurient will be greatly obliged if you will go to him at once," said a servant.
"Show me to his room," replied Montreal briefly.
"Laurient," said Montreal, "believe me, I am not jealous of your good fortune."