Moreover, she was the daughter of the Duke of Perse.
The young and witty Countess of Marlanx came often to Edelweiss.

She was a favourite at the Castle, notwithstanding the unhealthy record of her ancient and discredited husband, the Iron Count.

Tullis had not seen the Count, but he had heard such tales of him that he could not but pity this glorious young creature who called him husband.

There is an old saying about the kinship of pity.

Not that John Tullis was actually in love with the charming Countess.