“I have already said I shall not answer any questions concerning him just now.”
“Ah! yonder he is!” exclaimed Flora. “I can see him in the shop, through the open door. I declare, he has changed his dress! He doesn't look half so imposing now.”
“But he is much more like a gentleman,” said Clo-tilde, who also perceived Walter in the shop, now in his morning attire. “Do be good-natured, Mr. Tom, and tell us who he is!”
“I would rather stop both your mouths with a little of this trifle,” said Tom, helping them.
Harry Netterville's eyes had followed the same direction as those of the two girls.
He noticed the change that had taken place in Walter's exterior, and said, rather sharply:
“I wish Mr. Liddel would come in and join us at supper,” said Mr. Tankard to Pledger Dapp. “Do go and ask him.”
“Yes; pray do, Mr. Dapp!” said Flora. “We can easily make room for him here.”
Just before the message was sent, a knock was heard; and, thinking it was a visitor, he went to open the street-door, and found himself face to face with Sir Bridgnorth Charlton and Mr. Carteret.
An instantaneous recognition took place on either side. Walter hastily retreated, but neglected to shut the door after him; and the two gentlemen followed him into the shop, where he checked their further progress.
“You must excuse this intrusion,” said Sir Bridgnorth, “and attribute it to my anxiety to find you. I have been searching for you everywhere, and rejoice that I am, at last, successful.”
“Not so loud, Sir Bridgnorth,” said the young man, pointing to the party in the adjoining room. “I am only known here as Walter Liddel.”
“What I have to say may be said very briefly; and it cannot matter who hears it,” rejoined Sir Bridgnorth. “Your friends wish you to return to them.”
“I have already given Mr. Carteret an answer,” said Walter. “I refuse.”
“But I would remonstrate with you on your folly.”
“It is useless. I beg there may not be a scene. It will produce no good effect, and may do mischief, by interfering with my plans.”
“But your plans cannot be carried out. Come to me at the Grosvenor Hotel to-morrow, and I will convince you of their utter absurdity.”
“No,” replied Walter; “I am inflexible in my purpose. The only favour I will ask of you and Mr. Carteret is not to reveal my name.”