She took Julian's arm and drew him out of hearing of Horace and Mercy.

"About that letter of yours ?" she proceeded.

"There is one line in it that rouses my curiosity.

Who is the mysterious 'lady' whom you wish to present to me ?" Julian started, and changed color.
"I can't tell you now," he said, in a whisper.
"Why not ?" To Lady Janet's unutterable astonishment, instead of replying, Julian looked round at her adopted daughter once more.
"What has _she_ got to do with it ?" asked the old lady, out of all patience with him.
"It is impossible for me to tell you," he answered, gravely, "while Miss Roseberry is in the room.".