It would be so unjust not to." She looked at Margaret with a bright smile, as if there was no such thing as injustice in the world.

But the Countess looked grave; and as she leaned back in her deep arm-chair by the window, with half-closed eyes, it was easy to see she was in trouble.

She needed help and sympathy and comfort.

She had never needed help before, and it was not a pleasant sensation to her; perhaps she was dissatisfied when she realised whose help of all others she would most gladly accept.

At least it would be most pleasant that he should offer it.