Nell of Shorne Mills

"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.