uld be some time before a Grandcourt train
came up, he decided, after seeing his effects into a cab, to take
advantage of the fine, frosty afternoon, and complete his journey on
foot. He was, in fact, beginning to grow a little depressed, and the
exercise would brace him up. He had, foolishly enough, looked forward
to a somewhat different kind of advent, dropping, perhaps, with some
little _eclat_ on a school where Arthur had already proclaimed his fame
among the boys, and where Grover had prepared him a welcome among the
masters. Compared with that, this solitary backstairs arrival seemed
tame and dispiriting, and he half regretted that he had not postponed
his coming till to-morrow, even in the face of Dr Ponsford's
suggestion.

A mile from Grandcourt he caught sight of the square red ivy-covered
brick tower of the school among the trees. Even in winter it looked
warm and picturesque. It was growing dark when he passed the lodge, and
crossed the playing-field towards the school-house. The cabman was
awaiting him in the square.

"Never gave me your name," explained he, "and nobody knows nothink about
you here. Five miles is seven-and-six, and luggage is two bob more, and
waiting another 'alf-hour's a crown,--namely, twelve shillings, and
thank you, mister."

Railsford rang the bell at the porter's lodge. A small child of eight
appeared.

"Where's your father?" asked the new master.

"Yout," replied the girl.

"Well, your mother?"

"Please, she's--she's in the churchyard along of my Aunt Sally."

"Well, run and-- You mean she's dea--?"

The child nodded before he had finished his sentence.

"Is there anyone about?" inquired the perplexed new-comer.

"There's Mrs 'Astings, doing the floors in Bickers's."

Mrs Hastings was duly summoned, and arrived with her broom and
kneeling-pad.

"My good woman, can you tell me the fare from Blankington here?"

The lady looked perplexed, then embarrassed, then angry.

"And you fetched me over from Bickers's--me, with my lame foot, over the
cobbles--to ask me that! You oughter be ashamed of yerself, young man.
Ask the cabman; he knows."

It was hopeless. Railsford assisted to unload the cab, and meekly gave
the cabman the fare demanded.

"I am Mr Railsford, the new master," said he presently, overtaking Mrs
Hastings, as she hobbled back in dudgeon to her work; "which are my
rooms?"

"I'm sure I don't know. You're a day too early. All the rooms is up,