"Where can I have seen him before ?" And the blush deepened.

"I must really describe him to Charles and find out who he is." This monologue brought her as far as the front door, at which, it may be added, she--though by no means impatient--did in point of fact ring twice before the man-servant answered it.

Although Mr.Hordle had the reputation of "being fond of his joke" in private life, in his official capacity his manner offered a model of middle-aged sedateness and restraint.

To-day neither humour nor reserve were in evidence, but a harassed and hunted look altogether surprising to Miss Verity.

He stared at her, stared past her along the drive, before attempting to usher her into the hall and relieve her of her umbrella and her cloak.
"Sir Charles doesn't expect me, Hordle," she said.