She had been but four months a widow, and he should not have come to her in the country.

She must see him and in some way make him understand this--but she would be very gentle with him.

Then her eye fell upon the card, and she saw, with grievous disappointment, that it bore the name of Count Pateroff.

No; she was not going to be caught in that way.

Let the result be what it might, she would not let Sophie Gordeloup, or Sophie's brother, get the better of her by such a ruse as that! "Tell the gentleman, with my compliments," she said, as she handed back the card, "that I regret it greatly, but I can see no one now." Then the servant went away, and she sat wondering whether the count would be able to make his way into her presence.