The noise from the street coming in from my open windows had prevented me from hearing the conversation in Kate's room, and I should have been inclined to regard her startling narrative as one of her jokes if it had not been for the loud banging on the door. I hastened to open it: the men came in, and, wishing to relieve Kate of their presence, I asked them to pass into my room. This they refused to do, taking a decided stand in Kate's. I was too curious to lose my presence of mind or show that I was annoyed, and with my blandest smile inquired why I was honored with so matinal a visit from two strangers, when the following dialogue ensued:
"We come from the police. You are Miss W——?"
"Yes."
"Englishwoman?"
"By no means."
"Yes you are; and this woman is your sister."
"No, she is not my sister."
"Yes, she is. You're English. No? What are you, then?"
"I'm American."
"Show your passport."