What a remarkable question, Alicia." "I was thinking about Russia," said Alicia with an innocent air.

"Do you suppose heather grows there ?" The Countess remembered the floral symptoms displayed by Ophelia, and grew a trifle nervous.
"My child, what is the matter ?" "Oh, nothing," replied Alicia hastily.
A short silence followed, during which she was conscious of undergoing a curious scrutiny.
"By the way, mamma," she found courage to ask at length, "do you know anything about Lord Tulliwuddle ?" Lady Grillyer continued uneasy.

These irrelevant questions undoubtedly indicated a mind unhinged.
"I was acquainted with the late Lord Tulliwuddle." "Oh, he is dead, then ?" "Certainly." Alicia's face clouded for a moment, and then a ray of hope lit it again.
"Is there a present Lord Tulliwuddle ?" "I believe so.

Why do you ask ?" "I heard some one speak of him the other day." She spoke so naturally that her mother began to feel relieved.
"Sir Justin Wallingford can tell you all about the family, if you are curious," she remarked.
"Sir Justin!" Alicia recoiled from the thought of him.

But presently her curiosity prevailed, and she inquired-- "Does he know them well ?" "He inherited a place in Scotland a number of years ago, you remember.