"Her christian name is 'Alathea'—I heard her little sister call her that once when I saw them and they did not see me, in the Bois—She is a lady—and I feel Sharp is not her name at all."
The Duchesse put on her eyeglasses—.
"She has not shown a sign that she wishes you to know her history?"
"No—"
"Then, my son, do you think it is very good taste to endeavor to discover it?"
"Perhaps not—" I was nettled—I hated that the Duchesse should be displeased with me, then I went on—"I fear that she is very poor and I know that her little brother died just lately, and I would give anything in the world to help them in some way."
"Sometimes one helps more by showing discretion."
"You won't assist me then, Duchesse? I feel that you know Miss Sharp."
She frowned—.
"Nicholas—if I did not love you really, I should be angry.—Am I the character to betray friends—presuming that I have friends—for a young man's curiosity?"