"Because I read that name in the book," Sophia answered, her worst fears confirmed. "Because----"
"Did you see Oriana only, or her full name?"
"What is her full name?"
"You don't know? Then you cannot have seen it in the book!" Tom retorted triumphantly. "But I am not ashamed of it. Her name is Clark."
"Clark? Oriana Clark?" Sophia repeated. And she wondered where she had heard the name. Why did it seem familiar to her?
"What does her name matter?" Tom answered irritably. "It will be Lady Maitland by night."
"She's a widow?" Sophia asked. She did not know how she knew.
Tom scowled. "Well, and what if she is?" he cried. "What was her husband, Tom? I suppose she had a husband?"
"Look here, take care what you are saying!" Tom returned, with an ugly look. "Don't be too free with your tongue, miss. Her husband, if you must know, was a--a Captain Clark of--of Sabine's foot, I think it was. He was a man of the first fashion, so that's all you know about it! But he treated her badly, spent all her money, you know, and--and when he died," Tom added vaguely, "she had to look out for herself, you understand."
"But she must be years and years older than you!" Sophia answered, opening her eyes. "And a widow! Oh, Tom, think of it! Think of it again! And be guided! Wait at least until you know more about it," she pleaded earnestly, "and have learned what life she has led, and----"