"I asked your name, madam."
"My name's Whippleton—Mrs. Whippleton; and my son's his pardner."
"She says her name is Whippleton, and that her son is your partner," said the conductor, again appealing to the dignified head of the firm.
"I don't dispute it, sir," replied Mr. Collingsby, coldly. "My partner's name is Whippleton, but I don't know that lady. As I said, I am not aware that I ever saw her before."
"Shall I trust her for her fare?"
"Do as you please. As I don't know her, I cannot vouch for her," replied Mr. Collingsby, in a tone which implied that, if the conductor knew what he was about, he would not disturb him any further on the disagreeable subject.
"Mr. Collingsby does not know you, madam."
"That's what I call mean!" ejaculated Mrs. Whippleton, bitterly. "I don't believe he'd know his own father if the old man didn't wear a fashionable hat."
"He doesn't dispute what you say; but he doesn't know you. I must have your fare, madam."
"I keep telling you, I hain't got no money."