"Still I say it is impossible. The Sir William Heath whom I mean is the master of a large estate called Heathdale in Hampshire County, England," reiterated Mrs. Farnum, decisively.
"And my husband is the master of Heathdale, in Hampshire County, England," Virgie said, a trifle proudly.
She resented the woman's incredulity, while she could not forget what she had said about the "unimpeachable honor and untarnished name" of the family. It had stung her keenly, though she did not suspect that it had been an intentional slur upon the shadow resting on her own.
Mrs. Farnum's only reply was a look of increased astonishment, mingled with something of horror.
A crimson flush dyed Virgie's face.
"May I ask, Mrs. Farnum, how long you have been in America?" she said.
"We sailed from Liverpool the sixth of May."
Virgie's heart sank a trifle.
"And had you seen your friend, Lady Linton, within a few months previous to that time?"
"Lady Linton came to London only three weeks before, to make me a farewell visit. She was with me ten days."