In that brief look he observed the dawn of swift surprise in her eyes.

Her careworn face flushed, and she made an eager step forward, as though about to speak.
Somewhat surprised at this action on her part, Mr.Brimsdown hesitated, then, reflecting that he had probably misinterpreted a chance movement on the part of a perfect stranger, went towards the door, which the maid was holding open for him.

As he passed through he glanced back, and to his astonishment saw the woman in the passage still standing in the same spot, staring fixedly after him, apparently in a state of consternation or amazement, he could not say which.
He went out of the door with a vision of her questioning gaze following him as far as she could see him.

He did not think any more of it just then.

A lowering sky suggested rain, and he set off at a round pace for the inn where he had left the vehicle which had brought him to the churchtown.
But quickly as he walked, a footstep behind him was quicker still, and he turned involuntarily to see who was following.