Captain Elisha remained unperturbed and smiling.
"Good afternoon, ma'am," he repeated.

"It's been some time since you and I run across each other.

I hope you're feelin' pretty smart." Mrs.Dunn had faced some unpleasant situations in her life and had proved equal to them.

Usually, however, she had been prepared beforehand.

For this she had not been prepared--as yet.