Mrs. Laurence seemed more than usually disturbed by this speech; she turned a cold glance on her visitor, and said,
“I cannot remember of ever seeing you before, sir; there must be some mistake.”
Ross looked searchingly at the woman, as she spoke; her voice was firm and somewhat harsh; her reception of his polite address a little repellant; but she motioned him to take a seat, and occupied one herself, putting down her sleeves, which had been rolled up to the elbows.
“I once knew a man of your name,” said Ross, regarding the woman with a look of hesitation.
“Was he a policeman?” questioned Mrs. Laurence.
“Not while I knew him. We were boys in the same school.”
“How long was that ago?”
“More than twenty years—that is, it is almost that since we parted.”
Mrs. Laurence reflected a moment, then lifting her face, said,
“Well?”