Demands to Know what Wealth she Owns
“How much have I in lands?” the Countess asked. And Fergus answered in surprise: “Your lands are worth one hundred thousand pounds.”
“Of what value is the timber in my forests?” “As much again.”
“What is the worth of my castles and my fair residences?” continued the Countess Cathleen. And Fergus still replied: “As much more,” though in his heart he questioned why his lady wished to know now, while the famine made all riches seem valueless.
“How much gold still unspent lies in thy charge in my treasure-chests?”
“Lady, your stored gold is three hundred thousand pounds, as much as all your lands and forests and houses are worth.”
The Countess Cathleen thought for an instant, and then, as one who makes a momentous decision, spoke firmly, though her lips quivered as she gave utterance to her thought: