After a little growling on the other side, the gate was opened, and he
passed in: undergoing a close inspection from the porter as he did so.
'YOU wanting Sir John, at this time of night!' said the man.
'Ay!' said Hugh. 'I! What of that?'
'Why, I must go with you and see that you do, for I don't believe it.'
'Come along then.'
Eyeing him with suspicious looks, the man, with key and lantern, walked
on at his side, and attended him to Sir John Chester's door, at which
Hugh gave one knock, that echoed through the dark staircase like a
ghostly summons, and made the dull light tremble in the drowsy lamp.
'Do you think he wants me now?' said Hugh.
Before the man had time to answer, a footstep was heard within, a light
appeared, and Sir John, in his dressing-gown and slippers, opened the
door.
'I ask your pardon, Sir John,' said the porter, pulling off his hat.
'Here's a young man says he wants to speak to you. It's late for
strangers. I thought it best to see that all was right.'
'Aha!' cried Sir John, raising his eyebrows. 'It's you, messenger, is
it? Go in. Quite right, friend. I commend your prudence highly. Thank
you. God bless you. Good night.
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