‘I trust, by your own practice, that is not your test of goodness?’
‘I should not think it was, said Violet, blushing and hesitating.
‘What crypt did they dig her out of? Is she one of the Marstones of Gothlands?’
‘I believe she is. She has two sisters, gay people, whose home is with an uncle. She lives with a lawyer brother.’
‘Sam Marstone! I know him! I pity him. So Emma Brandon is come out? Which is she?’
‘She is next to Arthur, on this side the table where you cannot see her.’
‘What sort of girl is she!’
‘Oh!’ said Violet, and paused, ‘she is the greatest friend I have in the world!’
He looked surprised, laughed, and said, ‘So I must ask no more questions.’
Violet felt as if she had spoken presumptuously, and said, ‘Lady Elizabeth has been so very kind to me. Emma is my baby’s godmother.’