Now followed another period of waiting. It was fully half an hour before he returned. Miss Plympton saw that he was alone, and her heart sank within her.
“Mr. Wiggins presents his respects, mum,” said he, “and says he's sorry he can't see you.”
“Did you tell him that my business was of the most important kind?”
“Yes, mum.”
“And he refuses to come?”
“He says he's sorry he can't see you, mum.”
At this Miss Plympton was silent for a little while.
“Come,” said she at last, “my good fellow, if I could only see him, and mention one or two things, he would be very glad. It will be very much to his injury if he does not see me. You appear to be a faithful servant, and to care for your master's interests, so do you let me pass through, and I'll engage to keep you from all harm or punishment of any kind.”
“Sorry, mum, to refuse; but orders is orders, mum,” said the man, stolidly.
“If I am not allowed to go in,” said Miss Plympton, “surely Miss Dalton will come here to see me—here at the gates.”