“Certainly,” said Amy, “kindly ring the bell, my love.” One of the matched ones came presently and brought her ladyship an Indian shawl, followed by her ladyship’s maid, who brought a light Tuscan hat; and then the Countess and her brother went out upon the terrace, whilst the moon was beginning to show itself through the evening clouds and in the lake beneath. Whilst they were on the terrace the vicar of Brazencrook, who had been visiting in the neighbourhood, made his appearance, and he and the Earl becoming interested in an abstruse topic upon which the parson desired reference, they adjourned to the library, leaving the Countess and her brother alone. CHAPTER XII. “WHAT THE MOON SAW.” “The amount is too large,” said the Countess; “too large, I am sure, even if I asked his lordship to assist me.” “I must have it, and you must get it,” said Richard Tallant. “Indeed!” said the Countess; “you are very peremptory.” “As peremptory as Fate,” said the other. They had walked along the terrace, past the modern mansion and beneath the ruin of the old castle, Amy thinking it best that they should be out of danger of being overheard by servants who might be near any of the upper windows above the terrace. Lionel Hammerton, who had ridden in from an opposite direction, saw the two figures, and, leaving his horse in the stable, walked round the back of the house to the ruin. The speakers had not noticed him; and as he approached behind an angle of the ruin he was startled by Amy speaking in an angry voice, and her brother answering with threats. He crept within the shadowy wall, beneath a clump of ivy, and listened. Perhaps Amy might require his help. “By whatever means you may deem best you must help me out of this difficulty,” said the brother. “It would certainly be more becoming to speak respectfully, and leave musts and threats out of the question until I have time for consideration.” “There is no need for consideration. Yes or No: it is easily said.” “Suppose I say, No?” “Then I go straight to that fool, your husband----” “Sir!” said Amy, “this is an outrage!” “Call it what you please--I go straight to Lord Verner, and tell him of your love for his brother.” “But what will that avail you now? It is an old story, and I am married.” “Lord Verner does not know that you were madly in love with his brother; that he cast you off.” “No, no--how despicable!” said Amy. “He cast you off, I say; that will be my story to Lord Verner. I shall tell him as a matter of duty. And something more too. Why is Mr. Hammerton here?” “Because he is Earl Verner’s brother, of course, and this is his home when he is in England,” said the Countess. “Because he is Lord Verner’s brother, poor fool! Because he is your lover, my sister!--your lover!”