They passed through the impressive wrought-iron gates and, as they drove down the village street, men and women coming out of their cottages curtseyed or saluted as the Earl passed.
“I think your village is very pretty!” Donela commented.
“I am proud of it,” he answered. “I like to think that everybody who lives here is happy.”
“Do you really worry about the people who are dependent upon you?” Donela asked.
“As a matter of fact, I do!” the Earl replied, “and, if that surprises you, I consider myself insulted!”
“Forgive me,” Donela said, “but from what I have heard – you have so much in your life and so many things to do that I did not expect you to care about the simple ordinary things that happen in a country village.”
“You sound as if you know a great deal about the country,” the E
