At that she started in her saddle and gathered up the reins as though intending to ride off.
"Then I can assure you on the point," she said hurriedly. "You and I have never met."
I was greatly astonished by this sudden action which she made. 'Twas as though she was frightened; and I knew no reason why any one should fear me, least of all a stranger. But what she did next astonished me far more; for she dropped the reins and looked me over curiously, saying with a little laugh:
"So you are Morrice Buckler. I gave you credit for horn-spectacles at the very least."
Something about her--was it her manner or her voice?--struck me as singularly familiar to me, and I exclaimed:
"Surely, surely, madam, it is true. Somewhere we have met."
"Nowhere," she answered, enjoying my mystification. "Have you ever been presented to Lady Tracy, wife of Sir William Tracy?"
"Not that I remember," said I, still more puzzled, "nor have I ever heard the name."
"Then you should be satisfied, for I am Lady Tracy."
"But you spoke of horn-spectacles. How comes it that you know so much concerning me?"