She evidently knew that, and trusted to it.

Grace resolved to meet the enemy on the neutral ground of politeness, as the most promising ground that she could occupy under present circumstances.
"If I have said anything hasty, I beg to apologize to your ladyship," she began.

"May I ask if your only object in sending for me was to inquire into my pecuniary affairs, with a view to assisting me ?" "That," said Lady Janet, "was my only object." "You had nothing to say to me on the subject of Mercy Merrick ?" "Nothing whatever.

I am weary of hearing of Mercy Merrick.

Have you any more questions to ask me ?" "I have one more." "Yes ?" "I wish to ask your ladyship whether you propose to recognize me in the presence of your household as the late Colonel Roseberry's daughter ?" "I have already recognized you as a lady in embarrassed circumstances, who has peculiar claims on my consideration and forbearance.