"Piqued is not the word. But I dare not substitute the right expression. I will not be so rude as to utilise the privilege your own candour confers."
She came over and stood opposite me.
"You say, Mr. Thorburn, you have met me. That is impossible."
"If I prevaricated before, I am truthful now."
"I have not been out of this house for a month. Oh! I suppose you saw me from your grounds."
"The thick hedge and the trees that divide us would prevent that."
"You may have found the means of looking over?"
I smiled.
"No, indeed. Great as my curiosity may have been, my politeness, I am sure, is vigorous enough to keep it well disciplined."