CHAPTER XI.
DISILLUSION I The entrance of George Cannon into the parlour produced a tumult greatly stimulating the vitality and the self-consciousness of all three women.
Sarah Gailey's excitement was expressed in flushing, and in characteristic small futile movements of the head and hands, and in monosyllables that conveyed naught except a vague but keen apprehension.
Mrs.Lessways was perturbed and somewhat apprehensive also; but she was flattered and pleased.

Hilda was frankly suspicious during the first moments.

She guessed that Mr.Cannon was aware of his sister's visit, and that he had come to further his own purposes.

He confirmed her idea by greeting his sister without apparent surprise; but as, in response to Mrs.Lessways' insistence, he took off his great overcoat, with those large, powerful gestures which impress susceptible women and give pleasure even to the indifferent, he said casually to Sarah Gailey, "I didn't expect to meet you here, Sally.

I've come to have a private word with Mrs.Lessways about putting one of her Calder Street tenants on to the pavement." Sarah laughed nervously and said that she would retire, and Mrs.Lessways said that Sarah would do no such thing, and that she was very welcome to hear all that Mr.Cannon might have to say concerning the Calder Street property.
In a minute Mr.Cannon was resplendently sitting down to the table with them, and rubbing his friendly hands, and admitting that he should not refuse a cup of tea if pressed.