“ Mrs. Nathaniel Winkle, who married the son of the old man at Birmingham?” said the stranger, eyeing Arabella with visible curiosity.

Again Arabella inclined her head, and looked uneasily round, as if uncertain whether to call for assistance.

“I surprise you, I see, ma’am,” said the old gentleman.

“Rather, I confess,” replied Arabella, wondering more and more.

“I’ll take a chair, if you’ll allow me, ma’am,” said the stranger.

He took one; and drawing a spectacle-case from his pocket, leisurely pulled out a pair of spectacles, which he adjusted on his nose.

“You don’t know me, ma’am?” he said, looking so intently at Arabella that she began to feel alarmed.