"There must be some one at the house who will know where she is living. The mansion is evidently inhabited. Let us go forward and inquire. We are legally authorized to enter," said Paul.
"Yes," rejoined the minister, looking at a strange man who was walking down the carriage street with Jube, "here comes our authority; but let us use it with delicacy; soft words are better than warrants; by them our Rose may gain some knowledge of her mother."
The group moved forward; that is, Paul, the minister, and Rose, leaving the stranger and Jube in the grounds.
The broad steps had a disused look, as if foot-prints were seldom left upon them; the huge knocker was dim, and grated harshly as the minister lifted it. When it fell, the noise struck them with a shock, its reverberations sounded so startling. It was a long time before any one came to the door; but at last it opened, and an ill-dressed, unshaven man looked out with unwelcoming eyes.
"Do you want any thing?" he said, curtly; "nobody comes to this door. We never see company."
"But we wish to enter the house, and have business which cannot be put off," said Paul.
"Who is it you want to see?"
"Any one who has authority to admit us to an examination of one of the rooms."
"There is no such person here."
The answer was brusque enough, like that which the keeper of a prison gives to troublesome visitors.