"Murdoch?" answered Haworth. "Oh, we're coming to him after a bit. He's in among the engines."
When they reached the engine-rooms Haworth presented him with little ceremony, and explained the purpose of their visit. They wanted to see the engines and he was the man to make the most of them.
Mr. Ffrench's interest was awakened readily. The mechanic from Cumberland had been a pretentious ignoramus; the young man from Manchester had dropped his aspirates and worn loud plaids and flaming neck-ties, but this was a less objectionable form of genius.
Mr. Ffrench began to ask questions and make himself agreeable, and in a short time was very well entertained indeed.
Miss Ffrench listened with but slight demonstrations of interest. She did not understand the conversation which was being carried on between her father and Murdoch, and she made no pretense of doing so.
"It is all very clear to them" she said to Haworth as they stood near each other.
"It's all clear enough to him," said Haworth, signifying Murdoch with a gesture.
Upon which Miss Ffrench smiled a little. She was not sensitive upon the subject of her father's hobbies, and the coarse frankness of the remark amused her.
But notwithstanding her lack of interest she drew nearer to the engine finally and stood looking at it, feeling at once fascinated and unpleasantly overpowered by its heavy, invariable motion.