"'Who are you?' she said, with a pant.
"'I am Mrs. Everett,' I replied, slowly. 'I am the mother of the man who once lodged in your uncle's house, and who is now expiating the crime of another at Portland prison.'
"She had turned red at first, now she became white.
"'And your name,' I continued, 'is Hetty Armitage.'
"'Why do you say that your son is expatiating the crime of another?' she asked.
"'Because I am his mother. I have looked into his heart, and there is no murder there. But tell me, is not your name Hetty Armitage?'
"'It is not Armitage now,' she answered. 'I am married. I live about three miles from Grandcourt, over in that direction. I am going home now. My husband's name is Vincent. He is a farmer.'
"'You don't look too well off,' I said, for I noticed her shabby dress and run-to-seed appearance.
"'These are hard times for farmers,' she answered.
"'Have you children?' I asked.