For this he had but scanty appetite. Scarcely had he finished, and directed the removal of the dishes, than the servant entered to announce a visitor.
“Is it a gentleman?” he inquired, hastily, fearing it might be a creditor. He occasionally had such visitors.
“No, sir.”
“A lady?”
“No, sir.”
“A child? But what could a child want of me?”
“If it's neither a gentleman, lady, nor child,” said Somerville, somewhat surprised, “will you have the goodness to inform me who it is?”
“It's a woman, sir,” said the servant, grinning.
“Why didn't you say so when I asked you?” said his employer, irritably.
“Because you asked if it was a lady, and this isn't—at least she don't look like one.”