The Viscount was silent, but his desire to play golf had gone: he was thinking deeply of poor Cassie, and his soul was hurt by the doctor's words that he, the Viscount, had not been further into the village than the church, and was not acquainted with the real situation in which the girl lived.
"Shouldn't I buy his estate from Colin? Then I could look after Cassie and the people of Walsingham. A favourable bargain should be suggested to him, and no matter what sum he names," decided the viscount. With every thought of Cassie, the desire for her welfare only increased.
The next day Viscount Wilworth paid the Count a visit, made him an offer, but received a polite but firm refusal.
– But, Colin, you do not like this estate: you have told me more than once that its distance from London makes it unattractive to your pleasure-seeking nature," insisted the Viscount, surprised at his friend's reluctance to give up the "burden" that Walsingham and its inhabitants were to the Earl.
– There are days when I am glad to be lost in the wilderness," replied the Count of Draymore, amazed in turn at the Viscount's persistence in trying to buy his estate, with the village to go with it. – What is it that has so affected you about this village? Was it Cassie, that sickly little angel, which attracted you so much?
– I've already explained how I feel about Cassie! – The Viscount replied sharply to this accusation, once again angered by his friend's unworthy assumption.
– For the sake of that mad peasant girl, you want to buy back from me Rivershold, which is worth a lot of money! Give up your defences, Dominic: what intentions have you for her?
The cold callous heart of the Count could not believe in the sincerity of the good intentions of other hearts.
– I wish to help the Glowfords, but not only them, but all the Walsinghamese, forgotten by the world and the king! You are indifferent to the fate of these people, but I cannot sleep at ease knowing that in a village forgotten by all, children and adults are dying without knowing happiness! It's a burden to you, so I ask you again to consider my offer. I'm prepared to buy your estate at any price you name, and if you wish, I'll cover the cost of restoring the church.
– Dominic, you, Viscount, are not supposed to have such a sensitive and kind heart," said the Count of Draymore grudgingly: he had always thought his friend too sentimental, but he did not wish to take advantage of his kindness and sell his unprofitable estate with all its inhabitants to the Viscount. – But, since you insist so fervently, I promise to think it over again, but I will let you know my final decision in a month at the earliest. – He held out his hand to his friend.