He looked at his watch, and then mounted a gate upon which he seated himself, to await the arrival of the carrier.

Whilst he sat he heard wheels coming in two directions.
The vehicle approaching on his right he soon recognized as the carrier's.

There were the accompanying sounds of the owner's voice and the smack of his whip, distinct in the still morning air, by which he encouraged his horses up the hill.
The other set of wheels sounded from the lane Stephen had just traversed.

On closer observation, he perceived that they were moving from the precincts of the ancient manor-house adjoining the vicarage grounds.

A carriage then left the entrance gates of the house, and wheeling round came fully in sight.