“‘No, I was not; and I should like to know why you ask such absurd questions of me?’
“Be patient, madame, and it will all be very plain to you in a short time. What number shoe do you wear?’
“‘Number four.’
“Lottie then opened a little portmanteau which the coachman had brought in that morning, and placing it on the floor near her, took out a pretty little number three lady’s boot, and handed it to Mrs. Ragland.
“‘Please examine that boot and tell me whether or not you ever saw it before?’
“‘La, yes, indeed, I have seen it before! it is mine—it was stolen from my boudoir, and I should like very much to know the thief.’
“‘You shall see the thief before you leave the stand; but tell us what is the number of that boot?’
“‘It is a number three, I believe; I know it is too small for me—I could not wear it, for that very reason.’
“‘Have you not very often worn this boot, along with its mate?’
“‘No, I don’t think I have, because they hurt my feet so that I could not wear them.’