“Yes,” she replied, “I’ve been down on the south side to visit a poor family in which the guild is interested, and it got late before I realized it. I was hurrying along to get out of this section of the city before dark. It was so good of you to pick me up.”
“It’s a pleasure to have the opportunity.”
“Thank you! Now that I’ve told you where I’ve been, it’s only fair that you should tell me where you’ve been. Let’s exchange confidences.”
“By all means! I’ve been up to Factory Hill to call on a widow.”
“Mr. Pickwick was advised to beware of widows.”
“Well, I’m not Mr. Pickwick, and, besides, this one isn’t dangerous.”
“But is she fascinating, Barry? You know widows are usually described as fascinating.”
“Fascinating! Well, now, why do you want to know?”
“Oh, just to find out if you were making love to her.”