We have nothing left--nothing but the hope of Veronica's charity--or the hope that you will marry her and save us from starvation and disgrace.

I got her to sign the will.

There was--" The countess checked herself and stopped short, turning an emerald ring which she wore.

She was pale.
"There was what ?" asked Bosio, in an unsteady tone.
"There was just the bare possibility that she might die before January," said Matilde, almost in a whisper.

"People die young sometimes, you know--very young.