"Why did the little one run away from him? What was her reason?"
"She wanted to see something of the world, so she went abroad as governess to some little children."
"That was not so very bad," he said. "She might have done much worse than that. It is quite natural for a girl to want to see something of life. Where did she go to, dear?"
"To Florence, with some English people, I believe."
"Well, I cannot really be very angry with her for it; of course her position will be changed now. We shall have to think twice before she fulfills this engagement."
"I shall never be willing for her to marry any one but Earle," said Lady Estelle.
"We have plenty of time to think of that," he said. "I feel rather inclined to be jealous of this Earle Moray. Estelle, my darling, you have not said that you forgive me." He drew nearer to her, he clasped her in his arms, and kissed the pale, beautiful face. He might be faithless, he had been cruel, but in all the wide world he was the only love for her. She did not avert her face from the passionate kisses that he showered upon it. "You forgive me, Estelle, my wife?"
"Yes," she replied, "I forgive you; I cannot help it; but I know quite well that I ought not."