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-chap- _
toc-1 _
p032w _
toc-2 _
+chap+ _
p033
A small, familiar group awaited the arrival
of the mail; and from it several figures
detached themselves. The postmaster
stepped forward, and assisted Gordon in unfastening
the mailbags; a clerk from Valentine Simmons'
store, in shirtsleeves elaborately restrained by pink
bowed elastics, inquired for a package by express;
and Pompey Hollidew pushed impatiently forward,
apparently anxious for a speedy view of his daughter.
This laudable assumption was, however, immediately
upset by the absent nod he bestowed upon
Lettice, and the evident interest and relief with
which he turned to the stranger descending from the
stage.
"Mr. Hollidew?" the latter inquired, with ill-concealed
surprise.
Pompey Hollidew, the richest man in Greenstream,
wore -- as was customary with him -- a
crumpled yellow shirt, open at his stringy throat,
and innocent of tie; his trousers, one time lavender,
had faded to a repulsive, colorless hue, and hung
frayed about cheap, heavy shoes fastened by copper
rivets. An ancient cutaway of broadcloth, spotted
[[32]]
p031 _
-chap- _
toc-1 _
p032w _
toc-2 _
+chap+ _
p033