"No. You shan't go. Do you think I have nothing to say?"
"Say what you like," said Dick sadly. "Nothing is too black for me.
Curse me, if you will."
She laughed, and shook her head. "Do you think a woman curses the man
who would commit murder for the love of her?" she cried, with a strange
exultation in her voice. "If I loved you before--don't you think I love
you now a million times more?"
Dick fell back, thrilled with amazement.
"You love me still?" he gasped. "You don't shrink--"
"Excuse me," interrupted Banstead, crossing the room. "Does this mean
that you chuck me, Miss Hastings?"
"You must release me from my promise, Lord Banstead," she said gently.
"I scarcely knew what I was doing. I'm very sorry. I've not behaved
well to you."
"You've treated me damned badly," said Banstead, turning on his heel.
"Good-bye, everybody."
Austin, moved by compunction, tried to conciliate the angry youth, but
he refused comfort. He had been made a fool of, and would stand that
from nobody. He would not stay for dinner, and would not put his foot
inside the house again.
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