"You know I will do anything I can for you, Lady Lanswell," said the girl, gently; "I could have no greater pleasure."
She did not add, because I love your son, but this was in her mind, and the countess quite understood it.
She continued:
"You know how I love my dear and only son, how anxious I am for his welfare, how devoted to his interests."
"I can imagine it all," said Lady Marion, warmly.
The countess went on:
"He has an idea, a quixotic, foolish and most unhappy one, one that if carried out will mar his life and ruin his prospects, and in the end break his heart. Now, I want you to help me break off this idea; he thinks of returning to England in June, and if he does, all hope is over. He never allows himself to be coerced or persuaded; as to the word 'marriage' it would be a fatal one, but we might, I am sure, influence him—that is, if you will help me."
"I will do all I can," said Lady Marion, earnestly; her sweet face had grown very pale.
"He must not go back to England," said the countess: "we must keep him here until August—how can we do it?"
"Ask him to stay," said the young girl, simply; "that seems the most straightforward plan."