"Who told you I was coming to Cannon Street?"
"What do you mean? I don't know you!" The lady stared at him, and uttered these words with a look of astonishment on her face.
George laughed in spite of his mood. "Well, you've been getting yourself up in some new clothes; but I suppose you're my lawful wife just the same," he said. "Anyway, this is no time for acting, Ellen."
"I beg your pardon," said the lady, quietly. "You've evidently made a mistake. You certainly know my Christian name, but you don't know me; I've never set eyes on you in my life before."
George found refuge in sarcasm. "Go on," he said; "don't mind me. You'll say I'm not your husband presently."
"You're certainly not," said the lady, firmly, preparing to continue on her way.
"Go on," said George, exasperated; "say you're not Mrs. Early; say you were never Miss Fairbrother; say you——"
"How do you know my name is Fairbrother?"
"Was—not is."
"I say is," said the lady, severely. "Do you know anybody named Fairbrother?"