The intonation was not false or artificial, but only sad and regretful, as genuine laughter should not be.

Margaret looked at her, still profoundly mystified, and still drawn to her by natural sympathy, though horrified almost to disgust at what seemed her brutal cynicism.
'May I ask one question?
We've grown to be such good friends that perhaps you won't mind.' Lady Maud nodded.
'Of course,' she said.

'Ask me anything you please.

I'll answer if I can.' 'You said that you could not marry the man you liked.

Was he--Mr.Van Torp ?' Lady Maud was not prepared for the question.
'Mr.Van Torp ?' she repeated slowly.