If the person I had expected should call, it was a very old friend; in fact, Mr.Ivor Dundas, whom Marianne must remember in London.

He was to call--if he did call--only on a matter of business, which would take but a few minutes to get through, and possibly he would not even come into the house.

If the gate-bell rang, I would answer it myself, and speak with Mr.Dundas, perhaps in the garden.

Then I would let him out and come straight upstairs.

Marianne might go to bed if she wished.
"I do not wish, unless Mademoiselle particularly desires me to do so," said she.