“So we were neighbors, it seems,” said I.
“And if we were,” said she, roguishly, “I think it's a very unceremonious way you 've opened the acquaintance.”
“You forget, apparently, I haven't left my own territory.”
“Well, I 'm sure I wish you would, if you 're any good at a black knot; my heart and my nails are both broke with one here.”
I didn't wait for any more formal invitation, but stepped at once over the frontier; while she, rising from the chair, turned her back towards me, as with her finger she directed me to the most chaotic assemblage of knots, twists, loops, and entanglements I ever beheld.
“And you're Burke, I suppose,” cried she, as I commenced my labors.
“Yes; I'm Burke.”
“Well, I hope you 're done with wildness by this time. Uncle Tony tells fine tales of your doings.”
“Uncle Tony! So you 're Mr. Basset's niece? Is that—”
“You did n't take me for his wife, I hope?” said she, again bursting out into laughter.