I. A. R. Wylie

“ The Countess's face was whiter than marble; the perspiration stood out in beads on the Count's forehead. Thrice he essayed to speak and twice failed. The third time he managed to bring out her name.
"Theodora!"
"Louis!"
"What in the world are you doing here?"
She drew herself up defiantly.
"I'm running away."
"From me—? Ah, I understand!" He put his shaking hand to his collar. "You have read my letter—you know everything?"
"Your letter? I have it here. I found it on your table—but I have not read it."
"Not read it? Then why are you here? Why are you running away? ”

“ For a minute the Rogue's dazed consciousness that she was reading the confession of his villainy blinded him—then he forced himself to read the hastily scrawled lines.
"My husband, I am leaving you because I am unworthy of you. I am a wicked woman. I have deceived you. I have misused your chivalry and goodness. I have taken advantage of your misfortune, I am not Theodora de Melville—I never was. My name—my maiden name—was Theodora Saunders. My people are poor, but, incredible as it may seem, honourable. ”

“ Remember who I am and what I have done!"
"A man who has rejoiced in the name of Slippery Bill and tried to rob his own father is scarcely in the position to throw stones," observed the elder Lancaster grimly. ”