The man looked at her, and then at the ground, and then fumbled his fingers together; after which he plunged his hands in his pockets.
“Do you hear what I say?” said Edith, sharply. “I want you to unlock the gate.”
“Well, miss, as to that—I humbly beg your pardon, miss, but I've got my orders not to.”
“Nonsense,” said Edith. “No one here gives orders but me. I am mistress here.”
“Beg pardon, miss, but I don't know any master but Master Wiggins.”
“Wiggins!” said Edith.
“Yes, miss, an' hopin' it's no offense. I have to obey orders.”
“But he couldn't have given you orders about me,” said Edith, haughtily.
“He said all persons, miss, comin' or goin', all the same. No offense bein' intended, miss, an' beggin' your pardon.”
“But this is absurd,” said Edith. “He knows that I am going to Dalton. You have misunderstood him.”