CHAPTER THREE“I don’t understand,” Kistna murmured.
The Marquis paused as if he was choosing his words carefully before he replied,
“It is quite simple. Because I feel responsible that you have suffered so much these last three years, I intend that you shall become my Ward.”
“Your – Ward?”
He saw that she did not understand exactly what that entailed and he said slowly,
“It means that I, as your Guardian, will look after you, provide you with clothes and, when you are restored to health and feel that you can face it, I will introduce you to Society.”
For a moment Kistna stared at him incredulously.
Then she said in a voice that trembled,
“D-do you – really mean – that?”
“I assure you that when I make a promise I always carry it through,” the Marquis replied.
“Then it is the most
