'In my turn I bend to you, William,' said the Countess, sinking on her

knee before him, and taking his hand
'In my turn I bend to you, William,' said the Countess, sinking on her
knee before him, and taking his hand. 'By the love you bear me, I
beseech you not to harm your wife! We have wronged her deeply--let us
not have her death to answer for. If the blow _must_ fall, let it be
upon the mother"s head. I have less compassion for her.'