So many years had passed since he had met with this woman that she had passed out of his remembrance.
"Do you wish to see me about anything ?" he asked.

"You must be quick, for I am just going out." "You don't seem to recognize me, Mr.Somerville." "I can't say I do," he replied, carelessly.

"Perhaps you used to wash for me once." "I am not in the habit of acting as laundress," said the woman, proudly.
"In that case," said Somerville, languidly, "you will have to tell me who you are, for it is quite out of my power to remember all the people I meet." "Perhaps the name of Ida will assist your recollection; or have you forgotten that name, too ?" "Ida!" repeated John Somerville, throwing off his indifferent manner, and surveying the woman's features attentively.

"Yes." "I have known several persons of that name," he said, recovering his former indifferent manner.

"I haven't the slightest idea to which of them you refer.