"First let me inquire how long you have been in your present position, Mrs.——"
"Fogson."
"Exactly, Mrs. Fogson."
"Me and Fogson have been here about a year."
The stranger's countenance fell.
"Only a year!" he repeated. "Who was here before you?"
"Mr. and Mrs. Avery; but the Overseer of the Poor thought there was need of a change, and persuaded me and Fogson to come here."
"Very obliging of you!" murmured the visitor. "Can you tell me how long Mr. and Mrs. Avery were here?"
"Fifteen years."