A sudden flush sprang to her face; she looked startled.
"You don't suppose I came here to say that, Lady Kynaston?"
"No, my dear; but I have decided to say it to you. Vera, I entreat you to tell me the truth. What is it that stands between you and John?"
She was silent, looking down upon her hands that lay crossed one over the other upon her knee.
"I cannot tell you, Lady Kynaston," she answered, at length, in a low voice.
Lady Kynaston sighed; she was a little disappointed.
"And you cannot, marry him?"
Vera shook her head.
"No, it would not be right."
The old lady bent forward and laid her hand upon her visitor's arm.