Later, Mr. Knight again brought business forward; and the day of rest was to Arthur a very different one from that for which he longed.
They were still talking together when an unexpected diversion arose.
The gate which formed the only entrance to the grounds of Brent House was always kept locked, and could only be opened from the inside. There was a ring at the bell, and when the boy unlocked it three men immediately stepped inside. While the porter was asking their business, one of them again opened the gate, and a dozen other men pressed in. Mr. Knight and Arthur were endeavouring to discover what it all meant, and they saw that a great crowd was in the street. The frightened porter came breathlessly into the room.
“If you please, sir, here are men who say they are a deputation, and they come on very particular business.”
“Tell them to take their particular business away, then, as fast as they can.”
The boy went out with the message, and soon came again.
“They say they are your workmen, sir, and what they have to say concerns you very much. And they say they are not going until they have had their talk with you.”
“Oh, that’s it, is it? Set the dog on them.”
Arthur rose hastily.
“May I see them, father? They seem respectful and quiet enough. Let me hear what they have to say.”