questions. But you are right; one must do your mother justice. She was
certainly thinking of her second marriage."

"You have not forgiven her that!" said the Countess, very gravely.

"Have you?" I asked, more lightly.

"I don't judge my mother. That is a mortal sin. My stepfather was very
kind to me."

"I remember him," I said; "I saw him a great many times--your mother
already received him."

My hostess sat with lowered eyes, saying nothing; but she presently
looked up.

"She was very unhappy with my father."

"That I can easily believe. And your stepfather--is he still living?"

"He died--before my mother."

"Did he fight any more duels?"

"He was killed in a duel," said the Countess, discreetly.

It seems almost monstrous, especially as I can give no reason for it--but
this announcement, instead of shocking me, caused me to feel a strange
exhilaration. Most assuredly, after all these years, I bear the poor man
no resentment. Of course I controlled my manner, and simply remarked to