It was Mrs.Clay who opened to her.
'Is Emma in ?' Alice inquired as she shook hands rather coldly.
'She's sitting with Jane.

I'll tell her.

There's no fire except in the kitchen,' Kate added, in a tone which implied that doubtless her visitor was above taking a seat downstairs.
'I'll go down,' Alice replied, with just a touch of condescension.

'I want to speak a word or two with Emma, that's all.' Kate left her to descend the stairs, and went to inform her sister.

Emma was not long in appearing; the hue of her face was troubled, for she had deceived herself with the belief that it was Richard who knocked at the door.