"Tastes differ so greatly," she said. "Do you really consider Lady Marion beautiful, Lance?" "Yes, I have seen no one more lovely," he answered. Then the countess dismissed the subject--too much must not be said at once. She did not mention Lady Marion's name again that evening, but she saw that her son looked often at her, and she smiled to think the bait had taken. Again they were walking through the vast gardens of one of the Roman palaces, when the whole party met. Lady Cambrey was with her niece; Lord Chandos was near the countess, but not close by her side. The ladies met, exchanged a few words, then parted, the countess not having made the least effort to introduce her son; he spoke of it afterward. "Mother," he said, "you did not introduce me to Lady Erskine." Lady Lanswell smiled calmly. "It was out of pure consideration for her; they tell me she has so many admirers in Rome. From what I know of her, you would not be quite in her style." The words piqued him. "Why not?" he asked. His mother laughed again. "She is very proud, Lance, and very exclusive. I need say no more." My lady always knew exactly when to leave off. She turned away now, leaving her son with the impression that Lady Erskine would not care to know him, on account of his unfortunate love affair. They were destined to meet again that evening. A ball was given by an English lady, Mrs. Chester, who had one of the best houses in Rome. Lady Erskine looked very beautiful; her dress was of pale blue velvet, superbly trimmed with white lace; she wore diamonds in her hair, and carried a bouquet of white lilies in her hand. She was the belle of the ball, and it was Mrs. Chester who introduced Lord Chandos to her. She was quite innocent of any intrigue, but had she been the chosen confidante of Lady Lanswell, she could not have done more to further her views. She had been dancing with Lord Chandos herself, and began to speak to him of the beautiful blonde. "Lady Marion Erskine realizes my idea of a fair woman," said Mrs. Chester. "I have read the words in prose and poetry, now I understand them." "I do not know Lady Erskine," said the young earl. "Not know her. Why, I should have thought that all the Englishmen in Rome knew their beautiful country-woman." "I have never been introduced to her," said Lord Chandos. "Then this is the last hour in which you shall lay any such complaint against fate," said Mrs. Chester. "Come with me, my lord."