"I—I think he did. But I've got a wretched memory when it comes to broadswords."
She laughed. "This is such a very old broadsword, too," she said. "It goes back beyond the memory of man."
"How does it come that you don't know the price?" he asked, watching her narrowly. She met his inquiring look with perfect composure.
"I am quite new at the trade. I hope you will excuse my ignorance. My uncle will be here in a moment." She was turning away with an air that convinced King of one thing: she was a person who, in no sense, had ever been called upon to serve others.
"So I've heard," he observed. The bait took effect. She looked up quickly; he was confident that a startled expression flitted across her face.
"You have heard? What have you heard of me?" she demanded.
"That you are new at the business," he replied coolly.
"You are a stranger in a strange land, so they say."
"You have been making inquiries?" she asked, disdain succeeding dismay.
"Tentatively, that's all. Ever since you peeked out of the window up there and laughed at me. I'm curious, you see."