But outside and about the stables the hubbub had somewhat subsided, the road had grown quiet, and the last townsfolk had withdrawn, when a little after seven the lamps of a carriage appeared in the High Street, approaching from the town.

It swept round the church, turned the flank of the house, and in a twinkling drew up before the pillars.
'Hilloa! House!' cried the postillion.

'House!' And, cracking his whip on his boot, he looked up at the rows of lighted windows.
A man and a maid who travelled outside climbed down.

As the man opened the carriage door, a servant bustled out of the house.

'Do you want fresh horses ?' said he, in a kind of aside to the footman.
'No--rooms!' the man answered bluntly.
Before the other could reply, 'What is this ?' cried a shrewish voice from the interior of the carriage.