"Well, mum, if you insist, I don't mind goin'," said the porter. "I'll
tell him."

"Say that I wish to see him at once, and that the business I have is of
the utmost importance."

The porter touched his hat, and walked off.

Now followed another period of waiting. It was fully half an hour
before he returned. Miss Plympton saw that he was alone, and her heart
sank within her.

"Mr. Wiggins presents his respects, mum," said he, "and says he's sorry
he can't see you."

"Did you tell him that my business was of the most important kind?"

"Yes, mum."

"And he refuses to come?"

"He says he's sorry he can't see you, mum."

At this Miss Plympton was silent for a little while.

"Come," said she at last, "my good fellow, if I could only see him, and
mention one or two things, he would be very glad. It will be very much
to his injury if he does not see me. You appear to be a faithful
servant, and to care for your master's interests, so do you let me pass