Without waiting for permission, she took up the pieces which Mildred had laid on the table by the side of her case, and was beginning to turn them over when she stopped, evidently struck by the name "Mildred Lorraine Lancaster" written on the covers.
"Excuse my asking," she said, looking up quickly, "but Lorraine is such an unusual name that I wonder if you are any relation of the Lorraines of Castleford Towers?"
"Sir Darcy Lorraine is my uncle," replied Mildred rather stiffly, for she thought the question inquisitive.
"How very interesting! I frequently visit Lady Lorraine; my sister's home is in that neighbourhood. Isn't the Towers a beautiful old place?"
"I believe so," said Mildred briefly.
"I suppose you often stay there, though I don't remember having seen you before?"
"I've never been there at all," returned Mildred, wondering how she could stop the conversation.
"Really! And yet you must be just about the same age as Violet, and Sir Darcy is always regretting that she has no companions. Are you older or younger than she is?"
"I'm not sure," murmured Mildred, much embarrassed.
"Now I look at you," continued the lady, "I notice a most distinct likeness, though your eyes are brown, and Violet is so very fair, isn't she?"