"I can do so," replied Algernon, somewhat surprised at the question, "provided I know the motive of inquiry to be a good one."
"It is no other, I assure you," returned the stranger. "It was simply prompted by curiosity."
"Well, then, the individual in question is a man who has seen more than fifty years—is tall, raw-boned, muscular, has a stoop in the shoulder, a long, thin face, small eyes, and hair slightly gray."
"Has he any sons?" inquired the stranger.
"One, a youth of twenty, who bears a strong resemblance to his father."
"Daughters?"
"He has no other child."
"Then this young lady"—slightly bowing to Ella.
"Is a more distant relation—a niece," answered Ella, rising as she spoke and disappearing from his sight.
"A beautiful creature!" said the stranger, musingly, as if to himself—"a beautiful creature! Pardon me," added he, again addressing Algernon; "but may I inquire concerning yourself?"