"I simply came out to give a little message from my father.

Sit down again, and I will take this seat for a moment.

My father's health is delicate," she said, "and we do not like him to be out in the night air, especially after a rain.
So I came in his stead to tell you that if you would like to come into the house you must do so without the slightest hesitation, because my mother and I do not mind that dressing-gown any more than if it were an ordinary coat.

We are very glad to have the opportunity of entertaining you, for we know some people in Walford--not very many, but some--and we have heard you and your school spoken of very highly.

So we want you to make yourself perfectly at home, and come in or sit out here, just as your own feelings in regard to extraordinary fine clothes shall prompt you." At this she reassured me as to the beauty of her teeth.