Hugh jumped up, and got his hat at once; received the few necessary directions from Miss Talbot, and soon found the shop. There were a good many poor people in it, buying sugar, and soap, &c.; and one lady apparently giving a large order. A young man came to Hugh, and bent over the counter in a recipient position, like a live point of interrogation. Hugh answered—
“Mr. Appleditch.”
“Mr. Appleditch will be disengaged in a few minutes. Will you take a seat?”
The grocer was occupied with the lady and her order; but as soon as she departed, he approached Hugh behind the rampart, and stood towards him in the usual retail attitude.
“My name is Sutherland.”
“Sutherland?” said Mr. Appleditch; “I think I’ve ‘eard the name somewheres, but I don’t know the face.”
“Miss Talbot mentioned me to you, I understand, Mr. Appleditch.”
“Oh! ah! I remember. I beg your pardon. Will you step this way, Mr. Sutherland?”
Hugh followed him through a sort of draw-bridge which he lifted in the counter, into a little appendix at the back of the shop. Mr. Appleditch was a meek-looking man, with large eyes, plump pasty cheeks, and a thin little person.
“‘Ow de do, Mr. Sutherland?” said he, holding out his hand, as soon as they had reached this retreat.