What is there at the bottom of this duel ?" "What could there be but a woman ?" interrupted Lydia, who put into the two last words more savage scorn than if she had publicly spit in Caterina Steno's face.

But that fresh access of anger fell before the surprise caused her by Madame Gorka's reply.
"What woman?
I understand you still less than I did just now." "When we are at home I will speak,"....

replied Lydia, after having looked at Maud with a surprised glance, which was in itself the most terrible reply.

The two women were silent.

It was Maud who now required the sympathy of friendship, so greatly had the words uttered by Lydia startled her.