When he heard the name he ceased to smile, but did not move at all.

Nor did he look up as he asked the next question.
"Is that her real name ?" "I believe so." The old man drew up his feet, threw one leg over the other, and began to tap upon his knee with the fingers of one hand.

He was silent for a minute at least.
"What do you know about her ?" he then inquired, looking steadily at Waymark, with a gravity which surprised the latter.

"I mean, of her earlier life.

Do you know who she is at all ?" "She has told me her whole story--a rather uncommon one, full of good situations." "What do you mean ?" The words were uttered with such harsh impatience that Waymark started.
"What annoys you ?" he asked, with surprise.
"Tell me something of the story," said the other, regaining his composure, and apparently wishing to affect indifference.