"I confess I have been thinking it over for some days, but----" "But perhaps the fact of your ward's being an heiress----" begins Hardinge--throwing out a suggestion as it were--but is checked by something in the professor's face.
"My sister is the Countess of Baring," says he gently.
Hardinge's first thought is that the professor has gone out of his mind, and his second that he himself has accomplished that deed.

He leans across the table.

Surprise has deprived him of his usual good manners.
"Lady Baring!--_your _sister!" says he..