'Sir!' Here Mrs Archibald looked anxiously to the half-open door, where the girl was waiting concealed in the shadow, in readiness to reinforce her mistress in case of necessity.
'A very windy, dismal evening—and cold. Don't you find it cold, ma'am?'
'Yes, sir.'
'Perhaps we have come too soon?'
'Really, sir—I hope you will not think it ill-bred—but I have been expecting to hear why you have come at all!'
'Mrs Archibald! Is it possible that you have forgotten me already?'
'I must confess you have the advantage of me.'
'You do not remember seeing me this forenoon, when your husband was at church?'
'I really have no recollection of any such circumstance; nor am I aware of anything that could take my husband to church to-day.'
'And you cannot call to mind that you asked me to tea, and intreated me to bring my wife with me?'