Norman, though he knew enough Ulmreichan to master the import of her question, pretended not to understand, and stood dumb.
"Where do you come from?" the widow pursued in Alsandrian.
"From England."
"Ah, from England. I never knew anyone from England, but when I was in Ulmreich I met an American whose name I have forgotten, but he was a nice man, in a good line of business, till he died. And how long have you been in Alsander?"
"I have only just arrived."
"You have only just arrived. And you talk the language?"
"I learnt it on my way."
"And how did you find out my house, if you have only just arrived? We do not advertise: we are not a regular pension. Only it happens we sometimes let a room."
"I was wandering round looking for a room, and some one directed me here."
"Now who could that be?"