"You do not surely think that I married your son for any other reason except that I loved him?" she cried. "Pray, believe that I have never troubled myself in the least to think of your motive," said my lady. "I loved him, Lady Lanswell, you could never know how much. You are proud and haughty; you love a hundred things. I loved but him. I love him with my whole heart and soul. If he had been a peasant, instead of an earl, being what he is, I should have loved him just the same." Lady Lanswell's face darkened with scorn. "I am willing to listen to anything you may wish to say, but I beg of you leave all such nonsense as love out of the discussion. You have probably come to see me because you want money. Let us come to the point at once." The pride that flushed the beautiful face of the girl startled the haughty patrician who stood before her. "Money," cried Leone, "I have never thought of money. I do not understand. Why should I want money from you?" To do her justice, the countess shrunk from the words. "I should suppose," she said, "that you will require some provision made for you, now that you are leaving my son?" It was with difficulty that Leone controlled herself. Her whole frame trembled with indignation. Then the color receded from her face and left her white, silent, and motionless. "I have been too hard," thought the countess, "no one can suffer beyond her strength." She motioned the girl to take a chair, sitting down herself for the first time since the interview began. There was no feeling of pity in her heart, but she felt there were certain things to be said, and the best way would be to say them and have it all over. Leone did not obey. She stood silent for a few minutes. Then she said, simply: "I would never take money from you, Lady Lanswell, not even if I were dying of hunger. You do not like me; you are cruel to me." Lady Lanswell interrupted her with a superb gesture of scorn. "I could not possibly like or dislike you," she said; "you are less than nothing to me. It was natural that I should think you came to me for money. If that be not your object, may I ask what it is?" "Yes; I will tell you. I thought, as you were a woman, I might appeal to you." My lady smiled haughtily. "You are the first that has ever ventured to address me as a woman. What appeal do you want to make to me?" The passion of despair seemed to die away from her. A great calm came over her. She went up to Lady Lanswell, and knelt at her feet. The countess would have given much for the power of moving away, but there was that in the beautiful, colorless face raised to hers which compelled her to listen. "I humble myself to you," pleaded the sweet voice. "I pray of you, who are so great, so powerful, so mighty, to have pity upon your son and upon me. One word from you will go so far; you can undo all that has been done. If you will give your consent all will be well." Lady Lanswell looked at her in silent wonder. Leone went on: