I saw forms passing athwart the open windows; a van laden with articles of furniture stood before the door; a servant in livery was beside it giving directions to the men who were unloading.

Evidently some family was just entering into possession.
I felt somewhat ashamed of my trespass, and turned round quickly to retrace my steps.

I had retreated but a few yards, when I saw before me, at the entrance gates, Mr.Vigors, walking beside a lady apparently of middle age; while, just at hand, a path cut through the shrubs gave view of a small wicketgate at the end of the grounds.

I felt unwilling not only to meet the lady, whom I guessed to be the new occupier, and to whom I should have to make a somewhat awkward apology for intrusion, but still more to encounter the scornful look of Mr.Vigors in what appeared to my pride a false or undignified position.

Involuntarily, therefore, I turned down the path which would favour my escape unobserved.