"For some time."
"Old friends, I suppose."
She did not seem to hear me, and I gave it up—in the meanwhile; but to myself I said complacently,
"Some mystery here!"
Presently I remarked,
"There was another face I didn't see—the island patriarch."
She looked at me quickly.
"The patriarch—who do you mean?"
"An old gentleman with a white beard, tinted spectacles, and overcoat somewhat the worse for wear. He hailed me on the road yesterday and asked for a match. I imagine he must live somewhere near the doctor's house."
She looked very thoughtful for a moment and then said: