'I am a stranger in the place.'
'Can't you put off seeing Miss Holwood till to-morrow?'
'I cannot. I must see her. It is important.'
'What do you want with her?'
'I have come from Axmouth.'
'If you positively must,' said the maid, 'then there's no help for it. You will have to do one of two things, either wait till our ladies come home after midnight. They will not be late as our mistress is gone, and it is the first time for years—or else you can go with me to the Rooms. Did you say you had come from a great distance?'
'Yes, from Axmouth. I have walked all day, and more than one day.'
'Are you not tired?'
'I am too anxious to see her to be tired.'