She jerked her thumb at Prosper Witheridge as she spoke, and the Earl replied,
“What a good idea! Do stay for dinner, Witheridge, and beguile us with your intimate knowledge of Satan’s ways. I am sure that even such ardent adherents of the Devil as ourselves will learn something new.”
Prosper Witheridge drew himself up.
He had gone pale with anger and disgust as he realised that to answer would merely make him a laughing-stock.
“I have nothing more to say, My Lord,” he said. “I will leave this house and this unfortunate girl, who has no idea of the depths of the cesspool in which she is preparing to drown herself.”
He took a step forward as he spoke, and the Earl made way for him.
“Do not let us keep you, Mr. Witheridge,” he said.
Prosper Witheridge turned to Pandora.
“You will reg
