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"Not even for your own brother!" said Frank sharply.
They had crossed the Circus and were walking down Gay Street now.
"Least of all for them," came the placid response. "You are thinking ofAndrew's tragic act? Most entertaining, was it not?"
"You evidently found it so."
"I did. I wanted to prolong the sensation, but my esteemedbrother-in-law came to the young fool's rescue."
"Would you have assisted him?"
"In the end I fear I should have had to."
"I believe there must be a kink in your brain!" cried Fortescue. "Icannot else account for your extraordinary conduct!"
"We Belmanoirs are all half-mad," replied Tracy sweetly, "but I thinkthat in my case it is merely concentrated evil."
"I will not believe it! You have shown that you can behave differently!You do not try to strip me of all I possess--why all those unfortunateyouths you play with?"
"You see, you possess so little," the Duke excused himself.
"Neither do you sneer at me in your loathsome fashion. Why?"
"Because I have hardly ever any desire to. I like you."
"Tare an' ouns! you must like someone else in the world besides me?"
"I can think of no one. And I do not exactly worship the ground _you_tread on. The contemplation of my brothers appals me. I have lovedvarious women, and shall no doubt love many more--"
"No, Tracy," interposed Fortescue, "you have never loved a woman in yourlife. 'Tis that that might save you. I do not allude to the lustfulpassion you indulge in, but real love. For God's sake Belmanoir, liveclean!"
"Pray do not distress yourself, Frank. I am not worth it."
"I choose to think that you are. I cannot but feel that if you had beenloved as a boy--Your mother--"
"Did you ever see my mother?" inquired his Grace lazily.
"No--but--"
"Have you ever seen my sister?"
"Er--yes--"
"In a rage?"
"Really, I--"
"Because, if you have, you have seen my mother. Only she was ten timesmore violent. In fact, we were a pleasant party when we were all athome."
"I understand."
"Good Gad! I believe you are sorry for me?" cried Tracy scornfully.
"I am. Is it a presumption on my part?"
"My dear Frank, when I am sorry for myself you may be sorry too. Untilthen--"
"When that day comes I shall no longer pity you."
