We could hear the rain beating against the windows as we reached the booking-office.

A closed waggonette with a pair of horses was waiting at the door; my fellow-passenger, whom Max had addressed as Hamilton, was standing on the pavement, speaking somewhat angrily to the coachman.

I heard the man's answer as he touched his hat.
'Miss Darrell said I was to bring the waggonette, sir: it did not rain so badly when the order was brought round to the stables.' 'I could have taken a fly easily: it is worse than folly bringing out the horses this wet night.

Jump in, Nap.

What, must I go first?
Manners before a wet coat.' I heard no more, for Max hurried me into a fly, and the waggonette passed us on the road.
'Who was that ?' I asked curiously.
'Oh, that is Mr.Hamilton.Why did you not wait for me to introduce him to you, Ursula?
He is a rich doctor who lives in these parts; he practises for his own pleasure among the poor people; he will not attend gentle-folks.