She understood and valued the customs of the magic line.

In her heart of hearts she approved of a different code of morals for men and women.

That which merited instant, and as regarded this world, perpetual condemnation in a woman, might in a man be very easily forgiven.

A sigh, a shake of the head, and some small innocent stratagem that might lead to a happy marriage and settlement in life with increased income, would have been her treatment of such sin for the heirs of the great and wealthy.

She knew that the world could not afford to ostracise the men,--though happily it might condemn the women.
Nevertheless, when she came to the single separated instance, though her heart melted with no ruth for the woman,--in such cases the woman must be seen before the ruth is felt,--though pity for Kate O'Hara did not influence her, she did acknowledge the sanctity of a gentleman's word.
If, as Lady Mary told her, and as she could so well believe, the present Earl of Scroope had given to this girl a promise that he would marry her, if he had bound himself by his pledged word, as a nobleman and a gentleman, how could she bid him become a perjured knave?
Sans reproche! Was he thus to begin to live and to deserve the motto of his house by the conduct of his life?
But then the evil that would be done was so great! She did not for a moment doubt all that Lady Mary told her about the girl.