It would be time enough to invite Link's assistance, he thought, when Mrs.Bensusan--as yet an unknown quantity in the case--proved obstinate in replying to his questions.
Mrs.Bensusan proved to be quite as stout as Miss Greeb had reported.

A gigantically fat woman, she made up in breadth what she lacked in length.

Yet she seemed to have some activity about her, too, for she opened the door personally to Lucian, who was quite amazed when he beheld her monstrous bulk blocking up the doorway.

Her face was white and round like a pale moon; she had staring eyes of a china blue, resembling the vacant optics of a wax doll; and, on the whole, appeared to be a timid, lymphatic woman, likely to answer any questions put to her in a sufficiently peremptory tone.

Lucian foresaw that he was not likely to have much trouble with this mountain of flesh.
"What might you be pleased to want, sir ?" she asked Lucian, in the meekest of voices.