The paragraph concluded: "By his death the title passes to a distant relative.

The new Lord de Lannoy is at present in India with his regiment, the 35th or 'Grey' Hussars, of which he is Colonel." She gave the matter a more than passing thought, for it was sad to find a whole family thus wiped out at a blow.
Early in February she received a telegram from her London solicitor saying that he wished to see her on an important matter.

Her answer was: "Come at once"; and at tea-time Mr.Copleston arrived.

He was an old friend and she greeted him warmly.

She was a little chilled when he answered with what seemed unusual deference: 'I thank your Ladyship for your kindness!' She raised her eyebrows but made no comment: she was learning to be silent under surprise.