"I will allow you to ask," returned the Disagreeable Woman, coolly. "Do you propose to call on me?"
"If you will permit me."
"It is hardly necessary. We meet at the table every day. I am a hermit," she added after a pause, "I do not care to receive visitors."
"I once heard of a hermit who lived in one of the cottages on the rocks near Central Park," said the widow, rather impertinently.
"I don't live there!" said the Disagreeable Woman, composedly.
"Of course not. I did not suppose you did."
"Thank you. You are right as usual."
If Miss Blagden meant to be sarcastic, nothing in her tone revealed it. She had warded off the attack dictated by curiosity.
Whether Miss Blagden was rich or not, she was always ready to contribute to any public or private cause. When Prof. Poppendorf announced that he was about to publish a book, enlarged from his lecture on "The Material and The Immaterial." Miss Blagden subscribed for two copies.
"One is for you, Dr. Fenwick!" she said, in a low tone.