noon
The next morning , `` Cobbler '' Horn , having invested his young secretary with full powers in regard to his correspondence , during his absence , set off by an early train for Daisy Lane , en route for London . He had but a vague idea as to the village of which he was the chief proprietor . He was aware , however , that his property there , including the old hall itself , was , to quote Mr. Ball , `` somewhat out of repair '' ; and he rejoiced in the prospect of the opportunity its dilapidation might present of turning to good account some considerable portion of his immense wealth . It was almost noon when the train stopped at the small station at which he was to alight . He was the only passenger who left the train at that station ; and , almost before his feet had touched the platform , he was greeted by a plain , middle-aged man , of medium height and broad of build , whose hair was reddish-brown and his whiskers brownish-red , while his tanned and glowing face bore ample evidence of an out-door life . He had the appearance of a good-natured , intelligent , and trustworthy man . This was John Gray , the agent of the property ; and `` Cobbler '' Horn liked him from the first .