He went through the gate into the empty Park, and was crossing the broad road near the entrance, when an open carriage passed close beside him, and a woman's voice called to the coachman to stop.
The carriage stopped so abruptly and so near him that he paused and looked up, in natural wonderment at the circumstance.

A lady dressed in mourning was leaning forward out of the carriage, looking eagerly after him.

A second glance showed him that this lady was Mrs.Branston.
"How do you do, Mr.Fenton," she cried, holding out her little black-gloved hand: "What an age since I have seen you! But you have not forgotten me, I hope ?" "That is quite impossible, Mrs.Branston.If I had not been very much absorbed in thought just now, I should have recognised you sooner.

It was very kind of you to stop to speak to me." "Not at all.

I have something most particular to say to you.