"She was dressed very respectably," answered Jane, who appeared to be in doubt how to answer the question.
"Tell her I will be down directly," said Grace, who could not find it in her heart to refuse a person in trouble, though she suspected there would be an appeal for money. As she was known to be an heiress, such applications were of very common occurrence.
Five minutes later Grace entered the drawing-room.
Seated on the sofa was a woman, dressed in sober tints, and apparently rather past middle life.
She rose as Grace entered, but in the imperfect light the young lady did not recognize her.
"Miss Dearborn, you do not remember me?" she said.
"I cannot at this moment recall you," was the answer.
"I am Mrs. Vernon."
"The artist's mother," said Grace, quickly.
"The same."