She spoke so positively that the Marquis looked at her in surprise.
At the same time he was almost sure that there was some mystery about her ancestry, and he had been right in thinking she was not wholly English, although why it should matter he had no idea.
Then, as if she was afraid he would go on asking her questions, Lucia said,
“I am sure your Lordship has many things to do this afternoon, and I must not take up your time.”
She rose from the seat as she spoke and the Marquis rose too, wondering if he could force her into an admission about herself, then decided it would be unkind and anyway, it was not important.
They walked back to the house, and as they did so Lucia said,
“If Papa improves and your Lordship is kind enough to pay us the money for his pictures, I am sure we wil
