porter. After this fellow's rudeness on the previous day, she felt an
excessive repugnance toward making any application to him now; but her
necessity was urgent, and time pressed. So she quieted her scruples, and
going to the door of the porter's house, knocked impatiently.

The porter came at once to the door, and bowed as respectfully as
possible. His demeanor, in fact, was totally different from what it had
been on the previous day, and evinced every desire to show respect,
though perhaps he might manifest it rather awkwardly. Edith noticed
this, and was encouraged by it.

"I want you to let me out," said Edith. "I'm going to Dalton."

The man looked at her, and then at the ground, and then fumbled his
fingers together; after which he plunged his hands in his pockets.

"Do you hear what I say?" said Edith, sharply. "I want you to unlock the
gate."

"Well, miss, as to that--I humbly beg your pardon, miss, but I've got my
orders not to."

"Nonsense," said Edith. "No one here gives orders but me. I am mistress
here."

"Beg pardon, miss, but I don't know any master but Master Wiggins."

"Wiggins!" said Edith.

"Yes, miss, an' hopin' it's no offense. I have to obey orders."