“Oh, certainly, sir.”
If any of them intended an additional observation, before it could have been made he was gone.
He had shot suddenly out upon the platform, as if something else than smoking was in his mind!
They thought it strange—even a little impolite.
“Mr Swinton’s an inveterate smoker,” said the oldest of the three ladies, by way of apologising for him.
The remark was addressed to the gentleman, who had now sole charge of them.
“Yes; I see he is,” replied the latter, in a tone that sounded slightly ironical.
He had been scanning the solitary passenger, in cap and surtout, who sate silent in the corner.
Despite the dim light, he had recognised him; and felt sure that Swinton had done the same.
His glance guided that of the ladies; all of whom had previous acquaintance with their fellow-passenger. One of the three started on discovering who it was.