'Oh dear no! Certainly not! What an extraordinary idea!' She gazed into Margaret's eyes with a look of inquiry, until the truth suddenly dawned upon her.

'Oh, I see!' she cried.

'How awfully funny!' There was no minor note of sadness or regret in her rippling laughter now.

It was so exquisitely true and musical that the great soprano listened to it with keen delight, and wondered whether she herself could produce a sound half so delicious.
'No, my dear,' said Lady Maud, as her mirth subsided.

'I never was in love with Mr.Van Torp.