"I don't understand what you mean, sir," said Lady Fleetwood; "but, at all events, I cannot talk any more upon the subject, and therefore shall beg to wish you good morning. Thus saying, she rang the bell sharply, and made a ceremonious curtsey to Mr. Mingy Bowes, saying aloud to the servant who appeared--
"Show that person out, and if he comes at twelve the day after to-morrow, let me see him."
CHAPTER XXVII.
"There's a person below inquiring for your excellency," said Colonel Middleton's foreign servant, entering the sitting-room where his master sat writing a note.
"Who is he, Carlini?" asked the young officer, looking up; "is it the same man who was here before?"
"No, sir," replied the servant. "This is a taller, stouter man, dressed somewhat like the other. He says you know him, and that his name is Joshua Brown."
"Oh, show him up--show him up," said Colonel Middleton; "I will see him by all means."
The servant retired, and in a moment or two returned with our good friend the pedlar. But Joshua Brown's face, upon the present occasion, bore an expression which, in the course of their short acquaintance, Colonel Middleton had never seen it assume. It was a sort of hesitating, undecided expression, very different from the frank and easy, though unpresuming, manner which he generally displayed in addressing persons whom he looked upon as his superiors.
Henry remarked it; but at the same time he treated the man exactly as he would otherwise have done, saying--
"Sit down, Brown: I am very glad to see you. Have you brought me any information?"