I trust Tressilian has but forged this news.

He hath his reasons, madam, as you well know, for disquieting your present happiness." "You do him injustice, Master Varney," replied the Countess, with animation--"you do him much injustice.

He is the freest, the most open, the most gentle heart that breathes.

My honourable lord ever excepted, I know not one to whom falsehood is more odious than to Tressilian." "I crave your pardon, madam," said Varney, "I meant the gentleman no injustice--I knew not how nearly his cause affected you.

A man may, in some circumstances, disguise the truth for fair and honest purpose; for were it to be always spoken, and upon all occasions, this were no world to live in." "You have a courtly conscience, Master Varney," said the Countess, "and your veracity will not, I think, interrupt your preferment in the world, such as it is.