In short; the owner of that grey silk gown I saw hanging up in the kitchen.

I've seen it again." "The grey gown! when and where ?" "This morning, early.

I walked after it across the Flat, a good way behind, though; for I thought that it--well, let me say SHE--might not like to be watched or followed.

She was trotting along very fast, and she carried a little basket--I fancy a basket of eggs." "Capital housekeeper! excellent wife!" "Once more--I have my doubts on that latter fact.

She walked a great deal quicker and merrier than any wife ought to walk when her husband is ill!" I could not help laughing at John's original notions of conjugal duty.
"Besides, Mrs.Tod always calls her invalid 'the old gentleman!' and I don't believe this was an elderly lady." "Nay, old men do sometimes marry young women." "Yes, but it is always a pity; and sometimes not quite right.
No,"-- and I was amused to see how gravely and doggedly John kept to his point--"though this lady did not look like a sylph or a wood-nymph--being neither very small nor very slight, and having a comfortable woollen cloak and hood over the grey silk gown--still, I don't believe she's an old woman, or married either." "How can you possibly tell?
Did you see her face ?" "Of course not," he answered, rather indignantly.