It occurred to Paul as very possible that Mr. Montgomery might pass under a variety of names. He accordingly said, “Perhaps I have got the name wrong. The lady I mean is tall. I come with a message from her husband, who is a stout man with black hair and whiskers. He gave me this number.”
“Perhaps you mean Mr. Grimsby. He and his wife live here.”
“Probably that is the name,” said Paul.
“I will give Mrs. Grimsby your message,” returned the landlady, whose curiosity was excited to learn something further about her boarders.
“Thank you,” said Paul; “but it is necessary for me to see the lady myself.”
“Well, you can follow me, then,” said the landlady, rather ungraciously.
She led the way upstairs, and knocked at the door of Mrs. Grimsby, or as we will still call her, Mrs. Montgomery, since that name is more familiar to the reader, and she was as much entitled to the one as the other.
Mrs. Montgomery opened the door, and regarded our hero suspiciously, for her mode of life had taught her suspicion of strangers.
“Here's a boy that wants to see you,” said the landlady.
“I come with a message from your husband,” said Paul.