"It would," she answered severely.
"Well, there now! And if I didn't say as ’twas very wrong, but indeed, he was so genteel and made such very grand bows that I didn't think as 'twould be kind to refuse him."
"Refuse him what?"
"Why, direction, ma'am, for the handsome poor soul was lost in the Maze. He was just twirling around from North to South like the weathercock on the old Parish Church at home."
"Does it take an hour and a half to direct a man out of a shrubbery?"
"No, indeed, ma'am, but hearing we was from Hampshire, he fell a-talking and said as when he was last there he was staying with my Lord Senna at Camomile Hall, and was bosom friend of Mr. the Honourable John Squills."
The widow grew interested. The latter had once attended a hunting breakfast at Courteen Grange.
"And what was the loquacious gentleman's name?"
"Ah there! indeed, ’twas wrong of me, but if I didn't go and forget to axe him!"
"Idiot!" said Mrs. Courteen, "and where does he lodge?"