"Her name is Anne." "I was speaking of Anne Ashton," said Lord Hartledon.
"Allow me to beg Anne Ashton's pardon," returned Lady Maude; her tone this time unmistakably mocking.

"Anne is so common a name amongst servants." "I don't care whether it is common amongst servants or uncommon," spoke Lord Hartledon rather hotly, as though he would resent the covert sneer.
"It is Anne Ashton's; and I love the name for her sake.

But I think it a pretty name; and should, if she did not bear it; prettier than yours, Maude." "And pray who _is_ Anne Ashton ?" demanded the countess-dowager, with as much hauteur as so queer an old figure and face could put on, whilst Maude bent over her employment with white lips.
"She is Dr.Ashton's daughter," spoke Lord Hartledon, shortly.

"My father valued him above all men.

He loved Anne too--loved her dearly; and--though I don't know whether it is quite fair to Anne to let this out--the probable future connection between the families was most welcome to him.