So next morning he packed his bag, drove to Euston, and by mid-day was at Hollingford.

The town, hitherto known to him only by name, had little charm of situation or feature, but Dyce, on his way to a hotel, looked about him with lively interest, and persuaded himself that the main streets had a brisk progressive air; he imagined Liberalism in many faces, and noted cheerfully the publishing office of a Liberal newspaper.

If his interview with Lady Ogram proved encouraging, he would stay here over the next day, and give himself time to make acquaintance with the borough.
At his hotel, he made inquiry about the way to Rivenoak, a name respectfully received.

Lady Ogram's estate was distant some two miles and a half from the edge of the town; it lay hard by the village of Shawe, which was on the highroad to--places wherewith Dyce had no concern.

Thus informed, he ordered his luncheon, and requested that a fly might be ready at three o'clock to convey him to Rivenoak.