“Can't help it, mum--beggin' yer pardon; but I've got to obey orders, mum.” “My good fellow, can't you take my message, or let me in to see him?” “Sorry, mum, but I can't; I've got my orders.” “But he can't know. This business is so important that it will be very bad for him if he does not see me now. Tell him that. Go, now; you can't know what his business is. Tell him that--” “Well, mum, if you insist, I don't mind goin',” said the porter. “I'll tell him.” “Say that I wish to see him at once, and that the business I have is of the utmost importance.” The porter touched his hat, and walked off. Now followed another period of waiting. It was fully half an hour before he returned. Miss Plympton saw that he was alone, and her heart sank within her. “Mr. Wiggins presents his respects, mum,” said he, “and says he's sorry he can't see you.” “Did you tell him that my business was of the most important kind?” “Yes, mum.” “And he refuses to come?” “He says he's sorry he can't see you, mum.” At this Miss Plympton was silent for a little while. “Come,” said she at last, “my good fellow, if I could only see him, and mention one or two things, he would be very glad. It will be very much to his injury if he does not see me. You appear to be a faithful servant, and to care for your master's interests, so do you let me pass through, and I'll engage to keep you from all harm or punishment of any kind.” “Sorry, mum, to refuse; but orders is orders, mum,” said the man, stolidly. “If I am not allowed to go in,” said Miss Plympton, “surely Miss Dalton will come here to see me--here at the gates.” “I don't know, mum.” “Well, you go and tell her that I am here.” “Sorry to refuse, mum; but it's agin orders. No callers allowed, mum.” “But Miss Dalton can come as far as the gates.” The man looked puzzled, and then muttered, “Mr. Wiggins's orders, mum, is to have no communication.” “Ah!” said Miss Plympton; “so she is shut up here.” “Beggin' your pardon, mum, she beant shut up at all nowheres: she goes about.” “Then why can't I see her here?” “Agin orders, mum.” By this Miss Plympton understood the worst, and fully believed that Edith was under strict restraint. “My good man,” said she, solemnly, “you and your master are committing a great crime in daring to keep any one here in imprisonment, especially the one who owns these estates. I warn him now to beware, for Miss Dalton has powerful friends. As to you, you may not know that you are breaking the law now, and are liable to transportation for life. Come, don't break the laws and incur such danger. If I choose I can bring here to-morrow the officers of the law, release Miss Dalton, and have you and your master arrested.” At this the man looked troubled. He scratched his head, drew a long breath, and looked at the ground with a frown. Miss Plympton, seeing that this shot had told, followed it up.