They went abroad, I think, and when they came back they settled in some place on the other side of nowhere and I never saw them again.

And you are their son Austin!" Interested as he was in these reminiscences, Austin could not help being struck with the wonderful grace of this curious old lady's gestures.

In spite of her skimpy dress and antiquated bonnet, she was, he thought, the most exquisitely-bred old woman he had ever seen.
Every movement was a charm, and he watched her, as she spoke, with growing fascination and delight.
"It is quite marvellous to think you knew my parents," he said in reply, "while I have no recollection of either of them.

My mother died when I was born, and my father a year or two later.

What was my mother like?
Did you know her well ?" "She was a delicate-looking creature, with a pale face and dark-grey eyes," answered the old lady, "and you put me in mind of her very strongly.