Her lips were parted, her head was bent slightly forward, her eyes expressed utter incredulity and bewilderment.

Her companion, an elderly lady, and a bespectacled young woman who carried an arm-load of steamer-rugs, stared not at him but at the girl who had delivered this startling announcement.
"I mean I,--that is, I may be mistaken," stammered the latter, suddenly averting her eyes.

A wave of crimson swept over her face.
"Undoubtedly," exclaimed the elderly lady with great positiveness.
Turning to inspect the object under discussion, she sustained a shock that caused her to stiffen and draw in her breath quickly.
Percival was smiling in a most friendly and encouraging manner.

He went farther, and lifted his disreputable white canvas hat.
"Oh, goodness!" exclaimed the young lady in a sort of panic.

"Are you--is it really you, Mr.Percival ?" Mr.Percival glanced inquiringly at his guard.
"That's his name, Miss," said that worthy.