Sentence:  ‘Why are you tearing about the streets,' said Mr. Gradgrind, ‘in this improper manner?' / ‘I was—I was <WSD>run after</WSD>, sir,' the girl panted, ‘and I wanted to get away.' 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  To follow quickly, often in an effort to catch or catch up with (someone or something).