I am like to die, I take it." "Nay, sir, we hope not--we hope not!" It was the countess who spoke.
A wry smile twisted his lips.

"Your ladyship is very good," said he.

"I had not thought you quite so much my well-wisher.

I--I have done you a wrong, madam." He paused for breath, and it was not plain whether he spoke in sincerity or in sarcasm.

Then with a startling suddenness he broke into a soft laugh and to those risen, who could not think what had occasioned it, it sounded more dreadful than any plaint he could have uttered.
He had bethought him that there was no longer the need for him to come to a decision in the matter that had brought him to England, and his laugh was almost of relief.