“I do not live in the neighborhood.”
“Ah! no?”
“And I am not a lady, sir. Does not that explain it?”
Mr. Effingham scarcely believed his ears. These astounding words were uttered with such perfect calmness that there was no possible room to suppose that they were meant for a jest.
“You are surprised, sir,” the young girl said quite simply and gravely.
“Upon my word, madam,—never have I,—really—”
“Your surprise will not last long, sir.”
“How, madam?”
“Do you ever visit the town of Williamsburg?”
“Frequently.”