"Oh, I know you, but this ain't exactly the right time to be calling on a lady."
Vittoria felt her companion's muscles stiffen.
"I will explain my presence later," he said, stiffly; then, turning to
Vittoria, "I am sorry I disturbed this estimable man. Good night."
"Just a minute," the watchman broke in. "You needn't say good night."
"What do you mean?"
"This house is quarantined for smallpox."
"Well?"
"Nobody can come or go without the doctor's permission."
"I understand that."
"Now that you're here, I reckon you'll stay."