He addressed her politely and said:
“Mrs. Ladew, if I am not mistaken.”
Mrs. Ladew looked up at him in some surprise, vainly trying to recollect whether she knew the gentleman, but admitted that was her name.
“Permit me,” said Nick, “to have a few moments’ conversation with you.”
“Really sir,” replied the lady, “you have the advantage of me, since I cannot recollect ever having seen you before.”
“You have not,” replied Nick.
“Then, sir, I cannot talk with you. You have mistaken the woman.”
“Pardon me,” said Nick. “I must talk with you. My name is Nick Carter.”
Mrs. Ladew fairly staggered back, and, indeed, would have fallen had not a chair been within easy reach which she could grasp.
“For your own sake,” said Nick, hurriedly, “make no scene here, but submit to my request. It will be far better for you in the end.”