He placed her in one of the big easy-chairs, and stood before her, the light of happiness on his face.
"I've something to tell you, countess," he said. "I am going to be married."
She smiled up at him.
"I am very glad, Drake. I have expected it for some time past. What a pity it is that she should have had to go!"
"She! Who?" he exclaimed.
For the moment he had forgotten Lady Luce.
The countess stared at him.
"Who?" she said, with surprise. "Why, who else should it be but Luce?"
His brows came together, and he made an impatient movement.
"No, no!" he said. "It is Nell—I mean Miss Lorton."