"But he couldn't have given you orders about me," said Edith, haughtily.

"He said all persons, miss, comin' or goin', all the same. No offense
bein' intended, miss, an' beggin' your pardon."

"But this is absurd," said Edith. "He knows that I am going to Dalton.
You have misunderstood him."

"I'm sorry, miss. I'd do any thin' to oblige, miss; but I've got to do
as I'm bid."

"Who employs you?"

"Master, miss--Master Wiggins."

"Do you want to keep this situation?"

"Keep this situation?"

"Yes. You don't want to be turned out, do you?"

"Oh, no miss."

"Well, obey me now, and you shall remain. I am the mistress of Dalton
Hall, and the owner of these estates. Wiggins is the agent, and seems
disinclined to do what I wish. He will have to leave. If you don't want
to leave also, obey me now."

All this seemed to puzzle the porter, but certainly made no impression