I heard Sir Charles repeat his question. Jussieu replied--"Master, he blasphemed, and I struck him on the mouth."
Pride of race is a curious thing. I found I could not argue with the negro, though he had lied.
The surgeon whipped his servant with a dozen scorching words, then strode beside my chair.
"For this insult, Hume," he said, "I offer you my sincere apologies. Such a thing will not occur again!"
"Give me another cup of wine," I cried, "and I'll forgive you."
Within a moment it was held up to my lips, and I drained it at one draught. I was passionately craving strength to show my hate to Marion. Heaven! How I hated her!
"No," I answered sullenly; my eyes fell upon the floor.
"Mademoiselle Le Mar denies that you gave her any packet, Hume?"
"To induce you to confess your falsehood!"
"It will go harder with you than before!"
I ground my teeth. "Bah!" I snarled, "you doubt her word, or you'd not have brought her here. I see your game, you wish to make her own her theft by witnessing my torture. But you will fail, you fool. Do you forget that she betrayed me? She'll laugh to hear my screams!"
Marion spoke for the first time. "Sir Charles," she began, in low vibrating tones, "this man looks very ill. What have you done with him, and what is the matter with his hand?"
"He will tell you," said the surgeon curtly.
I looked up at her for the first time. Her eyes were dilated, and full of passionate questioning.
"You pretty actress!" I sneered, "you know nothing, oh, of course, you know nothing!"
"Miss Le Mar knows nothing, Hume," said Sir Charles, in tones of ice. "But it is time she knew. You will tell her, or shall I?"
"You," I muttered. I was a little dazed. Marion had not thought to have me tortured then. I had to readjust my mind, concerning her.
Sir Charles nodded, and the girl and he gazed into each other's eyes.
"His fingers have been pierced with frozen probes between the nail and quick!"
It seemed to me that an hour passed before their glances parted. But at last Marion uttered a little gasping sigh and slowly turned to me. Her face was very pale. "How you must loathe me!" she muttered.
"Yes!" I answered simply. "But you will better understand how much, if you will trouble to explore the room I lately occupied!"