For a moment Lady Mary was taken aback; then she laughed gayly and
arose.

"I will leave you to discuss the other two Maries," she said, and moved
away. . . "Perhaps they, too, are married," she added, over her
shoulder.

De Lacy looked after her contemplatively.

"I wonder," said he, "why the Lady Mary Percy resents my preferring you
to her."

"Do you?" the Countess asked--then held up her hand. "Stop, sir, you
may not answer--I did but jest."

"And may I not answer . . . in jest?" leaning toward her.

She shook her head. "No, sir, you may not; and if you attempt it, I
shall leave you instantly."

"Pardieu!" said he; "you are the most alluringly tantalizing woman I
have ever known. The evening of the ride you would scarce look at me,
but talked with Lord Darby all the time."

"He was making his farewells; he left the following morning."

De Lacy laughed. "Two hours of farewells! Doubtless, you were
delegated to receive them for the Household."

The Countess was busy with her needle. "He seemed to wish it so," she