Page:The Tattooed Countess (1924).pdf/260

 nothing, nobody in this world for me but Gareth.

My dear Miss Colman, I'm afraid I don't understand, the Countess said. Do you mean that he was engaged to marry you?

O, no! He hasn't the slightest idea, not the slightest! You mustn't tell him how I feel! Promise me you won't tell him. He used to come to see me. We read together, talked together. Since he met you he has not been near me.

The woman was sobbing aloud. The Countess, reassured by what Lennie had said, treated her more kindly. There, there, she comforted her, stroking the girl's hands, don't cry. I didn't know about this. . . about your. . . I'll see what I can do. I'll ask him to call on you.

You will? Lennie stared at her.

Certainly, I'll do what I can.

Then he does love you! Then what they say is true! You can send him to me. You have that power! I hate you. I tell you, I hate you!