Seeing no sign 'Private Way,' 'Trespassers Not Allowed,' or other printed defiance to the stranger, we were considering the opening of the gate, when we observed two female figures coming toward us along the path, and paused until they should come through.

It was the Disagreeable Woman (although we knew it not) and an elderly friend.

We accosted the friend, feeling instinctively that she was framed of softer stuff, and asked her if the path were a private one.

It was a question that had never met her ear before, and she was too dull or too discreet to deal with it on the instant.

To our amazement, she did not even manage to falter, 'I couldna say.' "Is the path private ?" I repeated.
"It is certainly the idea to keep it a little private," said the Disagreeable Woman, coming into the conversation without being addressed.