– Can you tell me, my good man, who is this marvellous flower? – Lord Draymore asked a peasant passing by.
– Cassie Glowford," he replied, bowing respectfully to the Count.
– Another daughter of the parson? – The viscount was surprised to see the pretty girl with a smile.
– Yes, the youngest. But she's not very well," the peasant said quietly, touching his fingers to his forehead.
– Not well? You mean mentally ill? – questioned the Count, who had already set his eyes on the fragile creature.
– No, but she's like a child, she doesn't understand much. She has the brains of a child. That's it," explained the poor man, and sighed sadly. – Such a pity for her, poor thing.
– Well, good man, go," said the Count of Draymore, disappointed in Cassie.
– Poor girl," said Viscount Wilworth, watching her with sincere pity in his heart. – "Think how hard it must be for her father.
– Of course, it's. It is impossible to marry her off, for no one would be tempted to take spoilt goods," said the earl, with a grim sneer, as he saw Pastor Glowford approaching them with displeasure.
Viscount Wilworth looked at Cassie and could not believe that this angel was not quite well. Cassie was still sleepy: she was smiling absent-mindedly after her nap and looked touching and sad. Then Catherine came to the girl, took her under her arm, and led her away.
Young Cassie so struck the viscount that he was deeply interested in her fate, her life and how she saw the world through the prism of her undeveloped mind. The gentleman, imbued with good feelings for the poor girl, decided to ask the parson about her illness and whether he had given his young daughter the necessary treatment.
– Reverend Glowford! You have lovely daughters, especially your youngest," the Count said affably to the parson, shaking hands with him.
– Yes, sir, Cassie is my treasure and a reminder of past sins," the parson replied briefly, tugging at a sore heart string.
– 'One of your parishioners said she is a developmental child,' Dominic Wilworth told him.
– 'Yes, she's seventeen, but mentally she's no more than six.
– Forgive me for saying this, for I must be hurting you, but have you treated her? – asked the Viscount.
– No. Cassie was given to me by God, and therefore she is perfect," Pastor Glowford answered him gravely. – But, please, let's not talk about that. Lord Draymore, could I have your attention for a moment?