“It is strange that he should have told you the truth,” says Mrs. Lammle, seriously pondering. “Pray where did a circumstance so very extraordinary happen?”

Twemlow hesitates. He is shorter than the lady as well as weaker, and, as she stands above him with her hardened manner and her well-used eyes, he finds himself at such a disadvantage that he would like to be of the opposite sex.

“May I ask where it happened, Mr. Twemlow? In strict confidence?”