And the countess put her arms round the other’s neck and kissed the tears off her cheeks. The action recalled Nell to herself.
‘Thank you,’ she said softly. ‘Thank you so much. I shall not forget that you kissed me. But don’t think because I cry that I am discontented, or wish things altered from what they are. I know now they are all for the best. Only love him—love him all you are able, and have no more secrets from him, and may God bless you both!’
‘I do love him,’ exclaimed Lady Ilfracombe; ‘and now that you have given me back my peace of mind, I shall be able to show my love for him with a freer conscience. Oh! it was terrible to feel his kisses or hear his praises, and know all the time that that horrid man might carry his threats into execution at any moment, and make my husband hate and despise me. I wonder where Mr Portland has gone? What will he find to say for himself when we next meet, I wonder?’
‘Perhaps you may not meet him. Perhaps he will take good care to keep out of your way.’
‘What a horrid, odious man he is!’ cried Nora. ‘I would rather be dead than married to such a man.’
‘So would I,’ said Nell; ‘but my task is done, and I must go. Good-bye, Lady Ilfracombe. I am glad to think I have made you so happy.’
‘But I shall see you again, Nell,’ suggested the countess. ‘We leave Usk to-morrow afternoon; but I shall tell the earl that I have met you, and he will come with me to wish you good-bye.’
Nell’s eyes had a far-away look in them, as she answered,—
‘To-morrow morning, then, Lady Ilfracombe, bring your husband over to the farm to say good-bye to me. And that will be the last, last time, remember. After that I will trouble you no more.’
‘You have never troubled me,’ cried Nora genially; ‘indeed I shall look back on this day in coming years, and say that you are the best friend I have ever had.’