“Yet I will convince you of it in a few minutes.”
Thus conversing, Angela and Agricola had reached the garden-gate of the Common Dwelling-house. An elderly woman, dressed plainly, but with care and neatness, approached Agricola, and asked him: “Has M. Hardy returned to the factory, sir?”
“No, madame; but we expect him hourly.”
“To-day, perhaps?”
“To-day or to-morrow, madame.”
“You cannot tell me at what hour he will be here?”
“I do not think it is known, madame, but the porter of the factory, who also belongs to M. Hardy’s private house, may, perhaps, be able to inform you.”
“I thank you, sir.”
“Quite welcome, madame.”
“M. Agricola,” said Angela, when the woman who had just questioned him was gone, “did you remark that this lady was very pale and agitated?”