"About what?" asked Paslow, lighting another cigarette with shaking hands, and not daring to look at her.
"In the first place, about my parentage."
This time he did look at her, and in much amazement. "You are the stepdaughter of Alpenny," he said quietly, "and the daughter of Mrs. Hedge, whomsoever she may be."
"Is that all you know?" she asked, looking at him.
"Yes. I have never heard anything else."
"But I have. I heard this day, and from Orchard the shepherd, who was your father's servant, that I am the daughter of Colonel Hall."
Vivian dropped his cigarette and jumped up with an exclamation of genuine surprise. "Did Orchard tell you that?" he asked.
"He did. Mrs. Hedge, my mother, was really Mrs. Hall, and married Mr. Alpenny because--because----" She hesitated.
"Because why? She must have had a strong reason to marry that old rascal."
"She had. Alpenny, according to Mrs. Snow----"