Before he had time to turn back, Mr.Alwynn had seen him, and had gone forward a step to meet him, holding out a welcoming hand.

Charles was obliged to stop a moment while his hand was inquired after, and a new treatment, which Mr.
Alwynn had found useful on a similar occasion, was enjoined upon him.

As they stood together on the church steps a fly, heavily laden with luggage, came slowly up the road towards them.
"What," said Mr.Alwynn, "more visitors! I thought all the Slumberleigh party arrived yesterday." The fly plodded past the Slumberleigh lodge, however, and as it reached the steps a shrill voice suddenly called to the driver to stop.

As it came grinding to a stand-still, the glass was hastily put down, and a little woman with a very bold pair of black eyes, and a somewhat laced-in figure, got out and came towards them.
"Well, Mr.Dare!" she said, in a high distinct voice, with a strong American accent.

"I guess you did not expect to see me riding up this way, or you'd have sent the carriage to bring your wife up from the station.