"The master, and mistress, and Miss Rhoda—are all well?" he asked eagerly.
"All well, sir, thank God," replied the man.
Young Marston spurred on, filled with vague apprehensions, and observing the man still leaning upon his spade, and watching his progress with the same gloomy and curious eye.
At the hall-door he met with one of the servants, booted and spurred.
"Well, Daly," he said, as he dismounted, "how are all at home?"
This man, like the former, met his smile with a troubled countenance, and stammered—
"All, sir—that is, the master, and mistress, and Miss Rhoda—quite well, sir; but—"
"Well, well," said Charles, eagerly, "speak on—what is it?"
"Bad work, sir," replied the man, lowering his voice. "I am going off this minute for—"
"For what?" urged the young gentleman.