the adventures of henry james and edith wharton

While driving near Windsor they got lost, and, spotting an old man, approached him for directions. “My good man,” James began. “To put this to you in two words, this lady and I have just arrived here from Slough; that is to say, to be more strictly accurate, we have recently passed through Slough on our way here, having actually motored to Windsor from Rye, which was our point of depature; and the darkness having overtaken us, we should be much obliged if you would tell us where we are in relation, say, to the High Street, which, as you of course know, leads to the Castle, after leaving on the left hand the turn down to the railway station.” The old man looked dazed, at which point Wharton leaned over and asked where King’s Road was. “Ye’re in it,” snapped the man.

an unrelated fyi: edith wharton’s nickname was pussy wharton.