Even with the help of such earnings, poverty was for ever tapping her on the shoulder, and no one except Mary herself and her one maid-servant knew how carefully fire and light had to be economized in the splendid rooms where an extinct aristocracy had held revels a century before.
Hyacinth and his friend advanced past the solicitor's doors, and up the broad staircase as far as the drawing-room.

For a time they got no further than the threshold.

The opening of the door was greeted with a long-drawn and emphatic 'Hush!' from the company within.

Maguire laid his hand on Hyacinth's arm, and the two stood still looking into the room.

What was left of the feeble autumn twilight was almost excluded by half-drawn curtains.