At the sight of me she reined up, and I could not avoid stopping as I lifted my hat.
"Whence so early ?" I asked.
"Early ?" she said.

"I don't call this early.

I've been for a long ride; in fact, I've ridden over to Mr.Carr's place, with a message from papa; but he's not there.

Do you know where he is, Mr.Martin ?" "Haven't an idea," said I.
"He hasn't been home for four nights," she continued, "and he hasn't been to the Ministry either.

It's very odd that he should disappear like this, just when all the business is going on, too." "What business, Donna Antonia ?" I asked blandly.
She colored, recollecting, no doubt that the business was still a secret.
"Oh, well! you know they're always busy at the Ministry of Finance at this time.