"And Lord Chandos, my son, has said something about going there, too?"
"Yes," replied Leone; "and I hope he will; he knows the city well, and I shall be glad to see a familiar face."
There was a minute's silence, during which Lady Lanswell brought all her wit and courage to bear on the situation. She continued:
"Lady Chandos does not wish my son to go to Berlin. I suppose it is no secret from you that she entirely disapproves of her husband's friendship with you?"
Leone bowed her proud, beautiful head.
"That is a matter of little moment to me," she said.
My lady's face flushed at the words.
"I may tell you," she went on, "that since Lady Chandos heard of this friendship, she has been very unhappy."
"No one cared when I was unhappy," said Leone; "no one pleaded for me."
"I do plead for Lady Marion," said the countess, "whatever you may think of me. She has done you no harm; why should you make mischief between her and her husband?"