Clara had seen her friend's maiden name, Mary Oliphant, written in a book, and seeing it had alluded to it.

On that occasion Mrs.Askerton had spoken of herself as having been an Oliphant, and thus Clara had come to know the fact.

But now, as she made her way to the cottage, she remembered that she had learned nothing more than this as to Mrs.Askerton's early life.

Such being the case, she hardly knew how to ask any question about the two names that had been mentioned.

And yet, why should she not ask such a question?
Why should she doubt Mrs.Askerton?
And if she did doubt, why should not her doubts be solved?
She found Colonel Askerton and his wife together, and she certainly would ask no such question in his presence.