But
there was that about the well-dressed man, yes, and about the other
likewise, which struck Mr Haredale with no pleasant feeling. He
hesitated, stopped, and would have stepped aside and turned out of his
path, but at the moment, the other two faced about quickly, and stumbled
upon him before he could avoid them.
The gentleman with the cane lifted his hat and had begun to tender an
apology, which Mr Haredale had begun as hastily to acknowledge and walk
away, when he stopped short and cried, 'Haredale! Gad bless me, this is
strange indeed!'
'It is,' he returned impatiently; 'yes--a--'
'My dear friend,' cried the other, detaining him, 'why such great speed?
One minute, Haredale, for the sake of old acquaintance.'
'I am in haste,' he said. 'Neither of us has sought this meeting. Let it
be a brief one. Good night!'
'Fie, fie!' replied Sir John (for it was he), 'how very churlish! We
were speaking of you. Your name was on my lips--perhaps you heard me
mention it? No? I am sorry for that. I am really sorry.--You know our
friend here, Haredale? This is really a most remarkable meeting!'
The friend, plainly very ill at ease, had made bold to press Sir John's
arm, and to give him other significant hints that he was desirous of
avoiding this introduction.
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