It was perfectly still in the high shadowed room; the sense of night, mystery, and loneliness was complete; the small heart-shaped flame of the candle revealed dimly the face and figure of my lady, the table, and the letter; for the rest shadows and fluttering glooms obscured the handsome furniture, the massive ceiling, the carved walls. Suddenly the Countess moved her head and looked towards the door. A light footstep sounded without; she moistened her lips and her hands tightened on the chair, then, as my lord softly entered, she turned her face away again. "I was waiting for you," she said, as he closed the door. "I could stay no longer at the masquerade. I found this letter when I reached home, and I thought I would wait up and speak to you." The Earl wore his domino and carried his mask. "I saw a light in here," he answered. "Why must you speak to me to-night? It is late." There was no expression on her painted face. "We do not see each other often, do we, my lord? And to-night I am in the mood----" He flung cloak and vizard on to a chair. "For what?" he asked. She looked at him for the first time, and sat up, shrugging her shoulders. "For anything," she said. She pulled her handkerchief out and pressed it to her brilliant lips; the roses, ribbons, and pearls in her high-piled grey curls shone in the flickering flame. My lord drew off his gloves. "What is the letter, madam?" He gave her a sideways look out of weary, reckless eyes. "From my father." She took the handkerchief from her mouth and there was a stain of carmine on it. "He is just back from Holland, where he hath been to take up some monies due to him." "I know," said the Earl. "I think this news can wait." "It is no news, my lord; you are aware that my father's fortunes----" "Will not bear the strain of my extravagance?" He placed his tasselled gauntlets down beside the silver candle-stick and the letter. "Well, he has said so." Her eyes narrowed. "You are very cool; what do you propose to do?" The Earl gave her a slow smile. "How often people ask that," he remarked. "I propose, madam, nothing." "I suppose you have said that before," answered the Countess, "but you have saved yourself nevertheless; that way is closed now, however, you cannot marry an heiress again." He crossed to the mantelshelf and rested his elbow there, taking his cheek in his hand; the little pale light was yet enough to disclose the languid reckless beauty of his face. "Why waste your bitterness on these obvious comments, madam?" he asked. "Whatever my affairs may be, you and I cannot better them by discussion." "Your affairs!" she echoed. "Do they not also concern me? My father crippled himself to pay your debts a year ago, and hath spent a swinging fortune since." "Doth he think me too dear?" smiled the Earl. "Well, it was his bargain." "I am not talking of him, but of myself." Her husband fixed his scornful grey eyes on the contained malice of her delicate face.