Perhaps they are poor, and certainly there is no disgrace in being poor.

And what is her name ?" "Sylvia," said Michael.

"You have probably heard of her; she is the Miss Falbe who made such a sensation in London last season by her singing." The old outlook, the old traditions were beginning to come to the surface again in poor Lady Ashbridge's mind.
"Oh, my dear!" she said.

"A singer! That would vex your father terribly.
Fancy the daughter of a Miss Tracy becoming a singer.

And yet you want her--that seems to me to matter most of all." Then came a step at the door; it opened an inch or two, and Michael heard his father's voice.
"Is your mother with you, Michael ?" he asked.
At that Lady Ashbridge got up.