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This man, however, was leaning against the railings which

bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I lowered my

handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her eyes fixed

upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, but I am

convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my hand and

had seen what was behind me. She rose at once.

"'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the

road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.'

"'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked.

"'No, I know no one in these parts.'

"'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to

him to go away.'

"'Surely it would be better to take no notice.'

"'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn

round and wave him away like that.'

"I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew

down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have

not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor

seen the man in the road."