Lucy, and with very little
money; what could be more forlorn? You see," she said, with a smile "I
do not put all this blame upon Providence, but a great deal on myself.
But to put me out of the question----"

Lucy put a hand upon the Contessa's arm. She was much moved by this
revelation.

"Oh! don't do that," she said; "it is you I want to hear of."

Madame di Forno-Populo had an object in every word she was saying, and
knew exactly how much she meant to tell and how much to conceal. It was
indeed a purely artificial appeal that she was making to her companion's
feelings; and yet, when she looked upon the simple sympathy and generous
interest in Lucy's face, her heart was touched.

"How good you are," she said; "how generous! though I have come to you
against your will, and am staying--when I am not wanted."

"Oh! do not say so," cried Lucy with eagerness; "do not think
so--indeed, it was not against my will. I was glad, as glad as I could
be, to receive my husband's friend."

"Few women are so," said the Contessa gravely. "I knew it when I came.
Few, very few, care for their husband's friend--especially when she is a
woman----"

Lucy fixed her eyes upon her with earnest attention. Her look was not
suspicious, yet there was investigation in it.

"I do not think I am like that," she said simply.

"No, you are not like that," said the Contessa. "You are the soul of
candour and sweetness; but I have vexed you. Ah, my Lucy, I have vexed
you. I know it--innocently, my love--but still I have done it. That is
one of the curses of poverty. Now look," she said, after a momentary
pause, "how truth brings truth! I did not intend to say this when I
began" (and this was perfectly true), "but now I must open my heart to
you. I came without caring much what you would think, meaning no
harm--Oh, trust me, meaning no harm! but since I have come all the
advantages of being here have appeared to me so strongly that I have set
my heart upon remaining, though I knew it was disagreeable to you."

"Indeed:" cried Lucy, divided between sincerity and kindness: "if it was
ever so for a moment, it was only because I did not understand."

"My sweetest child! this I tell you is one of the curses of poverty. I
knew it was disagreeable to you; but because of the great advantage of
being in your house, not only for me, but for Bice, for whom I have
sworn to do my best--Lucy, pardon me--I could not make up my mind to go
away. Listen! I sai