I was now on very odd terms with Madame. She had not relapsed into her
favourite vein of oracular sarcasm and menace; she had, on the contrary,
affected her good-humoured and genial vein. But I was not to be deceived
by this. I carried in my heart that deep-seated fear of her which her
unpleasant good-humour and gaiety never disturbed for a moment. I was very
glad, therefore, when she went to Todcaster by rail, to make some purchases
for the journey which we were daily expecting to commence; and happy in the
opportunity of a walk, good old Mary Quince and I set forth for a little
ramble.
As I wished to make some purchases in Feltram, I set out, with Mary Quince
for my companion. On reaching the great gate we found it locked. The key,
however, was in it, and as it required more than the strength of my hand to
turn, Mary tried it. At the same moment old Crowle came out of the sombre
lodge by its side, swallowing down a mouthful of his dinner in haste. No
one, I believe, liked the long suspicious face of the old man, seldom shorn
or washed, and furrowed with great, grimy perpendicular wrinkles.
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