"From Mr. Leighbourne, junior?"
"Yes," said Torry falsely. "Of course, you'll deny it?"
"No," said Lydia with brazen assurance; "why should I deny it?"
"Why indeed, miss, seeing that Mr. Frederick Leighbourne loves you."
"Does he, indeed? That is news to me."
"Ah!" sneered the detective, "will it be news to Mr. Blake?"
"Sir!" cried Miss Hargone, rising, with a flush of anger, "you are insolent!"
"No," said Torry, who wished to make her lose her temper that she might speak incautiously, "I am only candid. Donna Maria will agree with me, miss, that you are a very lucky young lady to be loved by three men. To be sure," added Torry, as to himself, "there are only two now."
Donna Maria, who had sat pale, calm, and silent during their conversation, darted a flaming glance at Lydia but said nothing. The look made the governess quail, but retaining her self-command, she pretended ignorance. She had a difficult part to play, but she played it well.
"I do not quite understand," said she quietly. "Perhaps, sir, you will explain. Who are my lovers?"