The painful disclosures which were to reveal themselves in my presence, during that Tuesday's visit to Montagu Square, were not at an end yet.
Finding myself alone with Lady Verinder, I turned naturally to the subject of her health; touching delicately on the strange anxiety which she had shown to conceal her indisposition, and the remedy applied to it, from the observation of her daughter.
My aunt's reply greatly surprised me.
"Drusilla," she said (if I have not already mentioned that my Christian name is Drusilla, permit me to mention it now), "you are touching quite innocently, I know--on a very distressing subject." I rose immediately.

Delicacy left me but one alternative--the alternative, after first making my apologies, of taking my leave.

Lady Verinder stopped me, and insisted on my sitting down again.
"You have surprised a secret," she said, "which I had confided to my sister Mrs.Ablewhite, and to my lawyer Mr.Bruff, and to no one else.
I can trust in their discretion; and I am sure, when I tell you the circumstances, I can trust in yours.

Have you any pressing engagement, Drusilla?
or is your time your own this afternoon ?" It is needless to say that my time was entirely at my aunt's disposal.
"Keep me company then," she said, "for another hour.

I have something to tell you which I believe you will be sorry to hear.