This last inquiry roused her attention.
Why did Mrs.Gallilee show an interest, for the first time, in Mr.Le Frank's capacity as a teacher?
Who was this "older and more advanced pupil," for whose appearance in the conversation the previous questions had so smoothly prepared the way?
Feeling delicate ground under her, the governess advanced cautiously.
"I have always thought Mr.Le Frank an excellent teacher," she said.
"Can you give me no more definite answer than that ?" Mrs.Gallilee asked.
"I am quite unacquainted, madam, with the musical proficiency of the pupil to whom you refer.

I don't even know (which adds to my perplexity) whether you are speaking of a lady or a gentleman." "I am speaking," said Mrs.Gallilee quietly, "of my niece, Carmina." Those words set all further doubt at rest in Miss Minerva's mind.
Introduced by such elaborate preparation, the allusion to Carmina's name could only lead, in due course, to the subject of Carmina's marriage.
By indirect methods of approach, Mrs.Gallilee had at last reached the object that she had in view..