"No."
"And no friends, you said?"
"No."
"Where were you educated, Margaret Anstruther?"
"At home, with a governess. Her name was Miss Bidwell. She went away to Germany three months ago, because her eyes were causing her grave trouble, and it may be necessary for her to have an operation."
"Since when you have been alone with your grandfather?"
"Yes."
"You seem to have led a very quiet life. Was your governess clever, and were you an industrious child, and loved your lessons?"
"She was very clever, and I was very industrious," smiled Margaret, who was thoroughly enjoying this string of half banteringly put questions. "But I did not love my lessons."
"Lazy, Margaret Anstruther? Why not?"