But her sweetness was in the end irresistible to all who came within the circle of its magic.

You saw its influence in Letty, whose eyes seemed never at rest save when they were watching Adela, who sprang to her side with delight if the faintest sign did but summon her.

You saw its influence, moreover, when, the tea over, the children ranged themselves on the lawn to hear her read.

After the first few sentences, everywhere was profoundest attention; the music of her sweetly modulated voice, the art which she learnt only from nature, so allied themselves with the beauty of the pages she read that from beginning to end not a movement interrupted her.
Whilst she was reading a visitor presented himself at the Manor, and asked if Mrs.Mutimer was at home.

The servant explained how and where Mrs.Mutimer was engaged, for the party was held in a quarter of the garden hidden from the approach to the front door.
'Is Miss Mutimer within ?' was the visitor's next inquiry.
Receiving an affirmative reply, he begged that Miss Mutimer might be informed of Mr.Keene's desire to see her.