Miss Middleton came out of another door. She had seen him when she had passed him and when it was too late to convey her recognition; and now she addressed him with an air of having bowed as she went by.
"No one?" she said. "Am I alone in the house?"
"There is a figure naught," said he, "but it's as good as annihilated, and no figure at all, if you put yourself on the wrong side of it, and wish to be alone in the house."
"Where is Willoughby?"
"Away on business."
"Riding?"
"Achmet is the horse, and pray don't let him be sold, Miss Middleton. I am deputed to attend on you."
"I should like a stroll."
"Are you perfectly restored?"
"Perfectly."