“‘What do you mean?’ said she.
“‘Oh, I’m not quite so ignorant as you suppose,’ replied I.
“‘Ignorant,’ said she, confused, ‘ignorant of what?’
“‘When were you last in Essex?’ said I.
“‘When, why? what’s that to you, you impudent boy?’
“‘Nay, then, I’ll put another question to you. How long is it since you were at Culverwood Hall?’
“‘Culverwood Hall! What do you know about Culverwood Hall? the boy’s mad, I believe; go away, you’ve done your message; if you don’t, I’ll tell her ladyship.’
“‘Certainly, Mrs Green,’ said I. ‘I wish you a good-night.’
“I left the room, slamming the door, but not allowing the catch to fall in, so that I held it a little ajar, and then I heard Mrs Green say to the other woman,
“‘Somebody’s been with that boy; I wonder who it can be? He’s put me in such a flurry. Well, these things will out.’