"I shouldn't know her."
"I dare say not; you wouldn't notice her particularly at Seaforth. By the by—isn't it absurd?—Cousin Marion actually thought you had sisters!"
"Why should she suppose so?" Aldred's voice was uneasy.
"She said they were with you, and so like you—one a little older, and the other younger."
"How ridiculous!"
"Yes, I told her you are the only girl. Perhaps you had some friends with you at the concert?"
"I expect I had. I really can't remember now."
"And another funny thing: she said she was sure your name was Mary."
"So it is, Aldred Mary, after my mother," replied Aldred, thankful to be able to say what was really the case, though she knew her truth was only further aiding her deception.
"That explains it, of course. I suppose the newspaper forgot the 'Aldred', and simply put 'Miss Mary Laurence'. Newspaper reporters often make mistakes."