“Not often so early as this,” I replied, with amazing composure, considering all the circumstances of the case.
“How far do you purpose to extend your walk?”
“I was thinking of returning—it must be almost time, I think.”
He consulted his watch—a gold one now—and told me it was only five minutes past seven.
“But, doubtless, you have had a long enough walk,” said he, turning towards the town, to which I now proceeded leisurely to retrace my steps; and he walked beside me.
“In what part of the town do you live?” asked he. “I never could discover.”
Never could discover? Had he endeavoured to do so then? I told him the place of our abode. He asked how we prospered in our affairs. I told him we were doing very well—that we had had a considerable addition to our pupils after the Christmas vacation, and expected a still further increase at the close of this.
“You must be an accomplished instructor,” he observed.
“No, it is my mother,” I replied; “she manages things so well, and is so active, and clever, and kind.”
“I should like to know your mother. Will you introduce me to her some time, if I call?”