"My dear," said the countess, with a smile, "no man stoops who marries a
good and innocent girl. It's the other way about--at least, that's my
feeling; but then I'm an American, you know; and we look at things
differently on the other side. But, Nell, we are glad because you have
made Drake happy. None of us could fail to see that he has been wretched
and miserable, but that now he has completely changed. If you had seen
the difference in him last night! But I suppose you did," she put in
naïvely. "He seemed to have become years younger; his very voice was
changed, and rang with the old ring. And you have worked this miracle!
That is why we are all so delighted and grateful to you."
The tears were standing in Nell's eyes, though she laughed softly.
"And yet--and yet he ought to have married some one of his own rank."
The color rushed to her face. "I did not know who he was when--when I
was first engaged to him at home, at Shorne Mills."
"I know--I know. He has told me the whole story. It was very foolish of
him--foolish and romantic. But, dear, don't you see that it proves the
reality, the disinterestedness of your love for him? And as for the
difference of rank--well, it does not matter in the least. Drake's rank
is so high that he may marry whom he pleases; and he is so rich that
money does not come into the question."
"It is King Cophetua and the beggar maid," murmured Nell.
"If you like; but there is not much of the beggar maid about you, dear,"
retorted the countess, holding Nell at arm's length and scanning the
refined and lovely face, the slim and graceful form in its plain morning
frock. "No, my dear; there is nothing wrong about the affair, excepting
the extraordinary misunderstanding which parted you for a time, and
brought you so much unhappiness. But all that is past now, and you and
he must learn to forget it. And now, my dear, I want you to come up with
me to the Hall."
But Nell shook her head.
"I can't do that, countess," she said. "I can't leave Mr. Falconer. He
is much better and stronger this morning; the nurse says that he slept
all night, for the first time; but he still needs me--and--I owe him so
much!" she added in a low voice.
The countess looked at her keenly for a moment; then she nodded.