The name “Stasy” fell on ears to which it had once been very familiar.
“Stasy,” their owner repeated to himself inaudibly, as he stood unnoticed by the door. “Can that be my little girl’s child, and in such a position? Good heavens! how careless I have been.”
Chapter Twenty Two.
The Tall Old Gentleman.
“Ahem!” followed by a slight cough, drew the attention of the three in the shop wards the door, whence the sound proceeded.
There stood a tall, rather bent, grey-haired old gentleman. Miss Halliday stared at him dubiously, but Mrs Burgess started forward.
“Good gracious!” she exclaimed. “Sir Adam! Who’d have thought it? I had no idea, sir, you were in the neighbourhood.”
The new-comer glanced at her coldly.