This intelligence was unexpected. It made me pause to reflect whether I had not mistaken the house. This, however, seemed impossible. I renewed my questions.
"A bachelor, say you? Are you not mistaken?"
"No. It would be an odd thing if he was married. An old fellow, with one foot in the grave—Comical enough for him to git a vife!"
"An old man? Does he live alone? What is his family?"
"No, he does not live alone. He has a niece that lives with him. She is married, and her husband lives there too."
"What is his name?"
"I don't know. I never heard it as I know on."
"What is his trade?"
"He's a merchant; he keeps a store somewhere or other; but I don't know where."
"How long has he been married?"