Do you promise to answer ?' 'To the best of my poor ability.' 'Then the first question shall be this,--when did you last hear of Emily Hood ?' 'Of Emily Hood ?' Mrs.Baxendale had the habit of controlling the display of her emotions, it was part of her originality.

But it was evident that the question occasioned her extreme surprise, and not a little trouble.
'Yes, will you tell me ?' said Beatrice, in a tone of calm interest.
'It's a strange question.

Still, if you really desire to know, I heard from her about six months ago.' 'She was in London then ?' Mrs.Baxendale had quite ceased to smile.

When any puzzling matter occupied her thought she always frowned very low; at present her frown indicated anxiety.
'What reason have you to think she was in London, Beatrice ?' 'Only her being here now.' Beatrice said it with a show of pleasant artfulness, holding her head aside a little and smiling into her aunt's eyes.

Mrs.Baxendale relaxed her frown and looked away.
'Have you seen her lately ?' Beatrice continued.
'I have not soon her for years.' 'Ah! But you have corresponded with her ?' 'At very long intervals.' Before Beatrice spoke again, her aunt resumed.
'Don't lay traps for me, my dear.