His presence had a disastrous effect on the chill, unfrequented drawing-room, reducing it instantly to a condition of paltry shabbiness.
The kitchen door was still shut.

Yes, all the squalor of the business of domesticity must be hidden from this splendid being! Hilda went as a criminal into the kitchen.

Mrs.Lessways with violent movements signalled her to close the door before speaking.

Florrie gazed spellbound upwards at both of them.

The household was in a high fever.
"You don't mean to tell me that's Mr.Cannon!" Mrs.Lessways excitedly whispered.
"Do--do--you know him ?" Hilda faltered.
"Do I know him!...