Hilda moved silently to descend, and then demanded in a low tone whose harsh self-possession was a reproof to that volatile creature, her mother: "What's the matter ?" Mrs.Lessways gave a surprised "Oh!" and like a flash her features changed in the attempt to appear calm and collected.
"I was just coming downstairs," said Hilda.

And to herself: "She's always trying to pretend I'm nobody, but when the least thing happens out of the way, she runs to me for all the world like a child." And as Mrs.Lessways offered no reply, but simply stood at the foot of the stairs, she asked again: "What is it ?" "Well," said her mother lamentably.

"It's Mr.Skellorn.

Here's Mrs.
Grant--" "Who's Mrs.Grant ?" Hilda inquired, with a touch of scorn, although she knew perfectly well that Mr.Skellorn had a married daughter of that name.
"Hsh! Hsh!" Mrs.Lessways protested, indicating the open door of the sitting-room.

"You know Mrs.Grant! It seems Mr.Skellorn has had a paralytic stroke.