"Humph!" ejaculated Mr. Gryce. "The widow was hard on any one Mr. Orcutt chose to admire."
"I don't understand it," said Byrd.
"Nor I," rejoined Mr. Gryce; "but I intend to before the week is out." Then abruptly: "When did Mrs. Clemmens come to this town?"
"Fifteen years ago," replied Byrd.
"And Orcutt—when did he first put in an appearance here?"
"At very much the same time, I believe."
"Humph! And did they seem to be friends at that time?"
"Some say Yes, some say No."
"Where did he come from—have you learned?"
"From some place in Nebraska, I believe."