– But who will take care of her after your death? – The viscount asked unhappily, unpleasantly surprised at the pastor's obstinacy.
– Catherine will always be by her side. And in the Lord I trust. He will never forsake my Cassie," he replied with the most determined look, for he did not like the conversation with the Viscount.
– Drink your tea, reverend," said the Count kindly; he had noticed the wrinkles in the parson's brow, and had decided to occupy his mind with another conversation, for he had got all he wanted to know about Christine. – But let us return to the restoration of the church. I will call an architect from London tomorrow to draw up a plan of restoration, and we will restore your much-loved church, and then we will take care of your houses, which are in a terrible state.
Suddenly the butler entered the drawing room.
– Yes?" the Count addressed him.
– Miss Glowford is here, sir," the butler said in a slightly dismissive tone.
– Show her in," said Lord Draymore, thinking that it was the lovely Christine he had in mind.
– She refused to come with me, sir, but said she had an urgent need to see her father, the Reverend Glowford," said the butler politely.
– Oh, I must be urgently needed in the village! – exclaimed the parson, leaping to his feet and wringing his jewelled hat in his hands. – Thank you, your Lordship, for your time. – He bowed respectfully to the landlord.
– You needn't thank me, reverend, I'll accompany you," the Count offered him politely, rising to his feet.
– Oh, no need, sir! – The parson was embarrassed.
But the Count only smiled and pointed with his hand to the door.
This embarrassed Viscount Wilworth: he had guessed his friend's thoughts, so he also went to escort the parson to the door of the great hall.
As Lord Draymore had hoped, and Viscount Wilworth had no doubt, Christine Glowford was waiting for them in the hall: she was as beautiful as she had been on that occasion, and she was not spoilt by her old, shabby, grey dress, nor by her coarse clogs, as dusty as her father's shoes. Her long, wavy hair was loose and framed her pale, thin face beautifully. The girl looked very embarrassed, and when she saw the Count of Draymore, she lowered her gaze bashfully to the floor, well aware of the impression her beauty was making on the Earl. But Christine was really excited. She went up to her father and looked anxiously into his face.