In that first moment of discovery, she was ready to resent it as an insult; but when she came to remember the sober facts of the last few days, her anger subsided into admiration of his wondrous kindness.
Did he not know that she was without a home to call her own, without money--absolutely without money, save what would be given her in charity?
When Lord Mount Severn reached London, and the hotel which the Vanes were in the habit of using, the first object his eyes lighted on was his own wife, whom he had believed to be safe at Castle Marling.

He inquired the cause.
Lady Mount Severn gave herself little trouble to explain.

She had been up a day or two--could order her mourning so much better in person--and William did not seem well, so she bought him up for a change.
"I am sorry you came to town, Emma," remarked the earl, after listening.
"Isabel is gone to-day to Castle Marling." Lady Mount Severn quickly lifted her head, "What's she gone there for ?" "It is the most disgraceful piece of business altogether," returned the earl, without replying to the immediate question.

"Mount Severn has died, worse than a beggar, and there's not a shilling for Isabel." "It never was expected there would be much." "But there's nothing--not a penny; nothing for her own personal expenses.

I gave her a pound or two to-day, for she was completely destitute!" The countess opened her eyes.