“It is a shame to say such things, Annette. You know they are slander--wicked slander! No man was ever less concerned about his wealth, in fact, he----” “Oh, we can let that subject drop--we all know how he spreads abroad his money. I am speaking now of his cowardice. Every one is speaking of it; rich and poor alike. He is a byword on the Exchange. He will never have another invitation to any respectable house. Even I must shut my doors against him--and, to be sure, no nice girl will ever be seen with him again.” “All that you are saying is cruelly false, Annette; you are trying to pain and terrify me----” “What good would that do me? I am only telling you what you ought to know.” “But why? Why are you telling me?” “Because I am angry at you. Why did you advise Leonard to come to Achille for help?” “I did not advise him to come to Achille. How could Achille help Leonard? The idea!” “I say plainly that Achille is now seeking that man Gilson, and if he meets him before Leonard does--which he is sure to do--he will challenge him at once.” “How ridiculous! Achille has no quarrel with Gilson. Why should he challenge him?” “Because of the things he has charged Leonard with. And Achille’s honour is so sensitive, and he is so passionate, the dispute will end in Achille making it his own quarrel. Then he will fight Gilson, before Leonard even succeeds in meeting him.” “I hope he will!” said Sappha with affected satisfaction. “You wicked girl! To say such a thing to a wife and a mother! Oh, now, I think you are none too good for Leonard Murray! By all means marry him--only for decency’s sake take yourselves out of New York! There are places where wealth will cloak cowardice. England, for instance!” “All these stories you tell about Leonard are downright lies. Yes, I shall marry him, and we shall stay here--in New York. Do you understand? And if you were not insane with temper I would promise myself never to speak to you again, Annette St. Ange. Cowardice, indeed! You, yourself, are at this moment suffering from cowardice. Your fear of Achille being hurt has made you suspicious, unjust, slanderous. And Leonard and I must endure your shameful words--a woman has no redress. I am going to leave you. You have willingly wounded and insulted me--without any reason at all. I hope you will be sorry for it----” “I am sorry, Sappha. Do not go away. I am sorry for you--that is the reason of my temper; and it is Leonard, not you, I am angry at.” “We will not name Leonard. If he is all you say, he is not fit for you to talk about.” “No, indeed!” “I think you had better go home, Annette. You are making yourself, and me, also, ill; for nothing.” “For nothing! That is all the thanks I receive for getting up so early and coming to warn and advise you.” “I wish you had not come.” “I shall go now and tell grandmother. She will perhaps be able to make you see things properly. I hope you will not make yourself sick about Leonard----” “It is not my way.”