Her child, Maud Enderby, was nearly seven years old.

Mrs.Enderby returned to the world not quite the same woman as when she left it.

She had never lacked character, and this now showed itself in one immutable resolution.

Having found that the child had learnt nothing of its parents, she determined that this ignorance should continue; or rather that it should be exchanged for the belief that those parents were both long dead.

She dwelt apart, supported by her sister.