The lady smiled.
"Although actual money is scarce with me, I am nevertheless in occupation of very extensive estates, which would furnish an ample income, were they not encumbered by mortgages, whose interest absorbs nearly all that the land produces. My father was a very noble-hearted, generous man, most open-handed and unsuspicious. In addition to this, he held an aristocratic contempt for business of all kinds, which disposition, I believe, was grossly taken advantage of by men of affairs in Vienna, whom he trusted. The result is that, although he died happy in the thought that he left me amply provided for, such was not in fact the case. If I am to live in Austria and keep up anything like the state to which my family has been accustomed during the past, some radical change must be made in the management of my property. That is another reason why I am living quietly here in England."
"But would not the revenue from your estates ultimately clear off the mortgages?"
The girl laughed very winningly.
You have used exactly the right word, my lord. 'Ultimately,' yes; but do I seem to you a person who could wait patiently for 'ultimately'? Is it strange to you that I wish to enjoy my life now?"
