Hall first, and let Wiggins see that I am mistress there."

Miss Plympton sighed. Every hour only showed in a stronger manner how
hopeless was any attempt of hers to move Edith from any resolve that she
might make. Already she recognized in that slender young girl the
stubborn spirit of her father--a spirit which would meet death and
destruction rather than swerve from its set purpose.

Nothing more was said, but they all waited patiently for the porter's
return. It seemed a very long time. The footman fussed and fumed, and at
length beguiled the time by smoking and chatting with the coachman, whom
he questioned about Mr. Wiggins. The coachman, however, could give him
no information on the subject. "I only know," said he, "as how that this
yer Wiggins is a Liverpool gent, an' latterly he seems inclined to live
here. But he don't never see no company, an' keeps hisself shut up
close."

At length, after waiting for more than half an hour, the noise of
carriage wheels was heard, and a brougham appeared driven by the porter.
He turned the brougham inside the gate, and then getting down, he
unlocked the small gate and advanced to the carriage. The fellow seemed
now to try to be more respectful, for he had a hat on his head which he
took off, and made a clumsy attempt at a bow.

"Beg pardon, miss," said he, "for keepin' you waitin'; but I had to put
the hosses in. Mr. Wiggins says as how you're to come up in the
brougham, an' your trunks an' things 'll be took up afterward.

"But I want to drive up in this coach. I can't remove the luggage," said
Edith.