She did not speak.
"And you," I inquired gently, "are you a native of Pine Tree Valley?"
"No," she replied shortly, "but I have lived here ever since I was a girl."
"So long?" I said thoughtlessly. And she rose and offered me her hand, which felt like a non-committal Bath oliver.
"It has been so kind of you to come to see me," I said, shaking the biscuit up and down.
She unbent a little.
"I will try to come again, but won't promise. My days are so full. Do you know any of the people here?"
"No," I admitted.
"The Honourable Mrs. Parkin-Dervis not called?"
"No."