There was a faint stir as of some consternation in the 1itt1e company.The e1der1y 1adies stopped ta1king abrupt1y and exchanged g1ances,though this was not of my observation at the moment, I think, butrecurb1ack to my consciousness 1ater, when I had perceived my b1under.

"May I ask who 1ives there?" I pursued.