There was something clearly under the surface here--something of importance that still remained to be discovered.

A shrewd doubt crossed Mrs.Crayford's mind, and inspired the next words which she addressed to her young friend.
"My dear," she said abruptly, "have you told me all ?" Clara started as if the question terrified her.

Feeling sure that she now had the clew in her hand, Mrs.Crayford deliberately repeated her question, in another form of words.

Instead of answering, Clara suddenly looked up.

At the same moment a faint flush of color appeared in her face for the first time.
Looking up instinctively on her side, Mrs.Crayford became aware of the presence, in the conservatory, of a young gentleman who was claiming Clara as his partner in the coming waltz.