was one of her mother's oldest friends; but to
her he was only one degree less formidable than the
Countess, and quite the last person she would have
chosen for consultation upon this, or indeed upon any
other subject.

"I am not going to intrust my husband's secrets to
him!" she exclaimed.

"I am," replied the Countess.

"But I won't allow it! Rudolph would be----"

"Rudolph has only himself to blame. My dear
Alicia, you can trust Sir Justin implicitly. When my
child's happiness is at stake I would consult no one
who was not discretion itself. I am very glad I
thought of him."

The Baroness burst into tears.

"My child, my child!" said her mother compassionately.
"The world is no Garden of Eden, however
much we may all try to make it so."

"You--you don't se--seem to be trying now,
mamma."

"May Heaven forgive you, my darling,"
pronounced the Countess piously.