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"When I heard that he had been injured, I wished with all ot clear off with theto

say 'my' miserable diamonds, but they are only leford joins me in that wish All the dia at such a price as Mr Falconer--and you--have

paid I hope you can tell us he is better We are all terribly anxious

about him"

Now, even in the stress and strain of the nificance in the countess' tone, a personal sympathy with herself,

conveyed plainly by the "and you," and it puzzled her But she put the

faint wonder aside

"I don't know," she said simply "He is very ill--he was badly stabbed

He has been delirious ht----"

"My poor Nell!"her hand

"I hope the nurse you have in to help you is a good one," said the

countess, as if she took it for granted that Nell was also nursing him

"If not, ill send to London for one; indeed, Sir Willialeford telegraphed"