To Crewe’s surprise Marsland stepped forward when he saw the young lady, lifted his hat and put out his hand. Crewe thought she hesitated a little before responding.
“I am glad to see you, Miss Maynard,” Marsland declared. “You are the very person I wanted to see. But this is quite an unexpected meeting.”
“It is very kind of you,” said the young lady with a smile.
To Crewe it was evident that she was more embarrassed than pleased at the meeting.
Marsland walked along the street a few paces with Miss Maynard and then came back to Crewe.
“Please excuse me for half an hour or so, Crewe. I have some things to talk over with this lady.”
He rushed back to Miss Maynard’s side without waiting for an answer. Crewe watched them for a moment and then he became aware that the shopkeeper standing at his doorway was watching them with a gaze of perplexity.
“Mr. Grange, I believe?” said Crewe.
The shopkeeper produced a pair of spectacles from his pocket and put them on before replying. With the spectacles on his small grey eyes he peered at Crewe, and said:
“What can I do for you, sir?”