The strangers hurried silently along, the imperious tones of their escort always making way for them through the most unruly throng.
At length they reached the house of the agent of their firm.

It was shut up, and they had to knock long and loud before a window was opened, and a piteous voice heard asking who was there.
When they entered the agent ran to meet them, wringing his hands, and tearfully falling on the merchant's neck.

The presence of the young insurgent prevented him from expressing his feelings.

He threw open the nearest door, and in lamentable tones apologized for the exceeding disorder in which the room was.

Chests and coffers were being packed up; male and female servants were running to and fro, hiding silver candlesticks here, thrusting in silver spoons there.