Generally, when there were guests from the neighbourhood, she was compelled to sing one or other of her Italian songs.

Her refusal to come to dinner would, she knew, cause her ladyship much chagrin, for it showed plainly to the guests that her authority over her step-daughter was entirely at an end.
Just as the stable-clock chimed half-past ten there came a light tap at the door.

It was Hill, who, on receiving permission to enter, said, "If you please, miss, Mr.Murie has just asked me to give you this"; and he handed her an envelope.
Tearing it open eagerly, she found a visiting-card, upon which some words were scribbled in pencil.

For a moment after reading them she paused.

Then she said, "Tell Mr.Murie it will be all right." "Very well, miss," the man replied, and, bowing, closed the door.
For a few moments she stood motionless in the centre of the room, her lover's card still in her hand.