After executing a few brilliant pieces the beautiful musician arose with a weary air and, saying that she was tired, courtesied, smiled, and withdrew from the room.
Lord Vincent walked slowly up and down the floor.
"Who is Mrs. Dugald?" inquired Claudia coldly.
"Mrs. Dugald is—Mrs. Dugald," replied his lordship, affecting a light tone.
"That is no answer, my lord." "Well, my lady, she is a relation of mine. Will that do for an answer?"
"What sort of a relation?"
"A very near one."
"How near?"
"She is my—sister," smiled Lord Vincent.
"Your sister? I know that you have only two sisters, and they are styled 'ladies'—Lady Eda and Lady Clementina Dugald. This is a 'Mrs.' She cannot be your sister, and not even your sister-in-law, since you have no brother."