“Who is that man?” she asked, quickly.
“Which man, ma’am?”
“The man in the long coat; the man who was standing at the bookstall.”
The porter stared at her. He seemed to think she must be joking to make such an inquiry, and in such a tone.
“The gentleman who has just gone out, ma’am?” ejaculated he, repeating her words with a difference; “why, that gentleman is Mr. Bradfield of the big house!”
And he made the announcement in the tone of one who rebukes a blasphemer.
CHAPTER II. THE GREAT MAN’S HOUSE.
Poor Mrs. Abercarne tried to look as if she didn’t mind, but the attempt was a failure. It was with uneasy hearts and troubled countenances that both she and her daughter went through the station and got into the comfortable carriage which was waiting for them outside.