Gladys tried to pass on, but finding that Colonel Vaughan's hand was on her arm, and that he was resolved to detain her, she endeavoured to summon up all her resolution and sense, and to answer his questions, whatever they might be, according to what she might think right.
'You will be so good as to account to my mistress for this delay, sir,' she said. 'I am no longer a free agent.'
'I shall do no such thing; neither will you, I hope?'
'I most certainly shall, if necessary.'
'Never mind; I must know, at all risks, who and what you are.'
'I am Irish on my father's side, and Welsh on my mother's; my name is O'Grady.'
'But you were not born in the position you now occupy?'
'My father was a corporal in the Welsh Fusiliers; I was brought up to work for my bread.'
'And your mother?'
'Was the daughter, I believe, of a clergyman.'