The man looked up suspiciously and in evident surprise, but his eyes
fell again.

"Mr. Wiggins? He is here; he lives here."

"Then do you go at once," said Edith, loftily, "and say to that man that
Miss Dalton is here."

The fellow glanced furtively at the carriage, where he saw the pale face
of Miss Plympton and the paler face of the maid, and then with a grunt
he turned and walked up the avenue. Edith went back to the carriage and
resumed her seat.

This scene had produced a profound effect upon her two companions. Miss
Plympton's worst apprehensions seemed justified by this rude repulse at
the gates, and the moment that Edith came back she began to entreat her
to return.

"Come back," she said, "to the inn. Do, darling, at least for the night,
till we can send word to Wiggins."

"No," said Edith, firmly; "I will not recognize Wiggins at all. I am
going to dismiss him the moment that I enter the Hall. I can wait
patiently just now."

"But at least come back for this night. You may be sure that they will
not be ready for you. You will have to come back after all."

"Well," said Edith, "I shall at least take formal possession of Dalton