Her expectations had been modest; and that she would be welcomed by her employer in person on the doorstep of Beechmark had not been among them.
Her face flushed, and a pair of timid eyes met those of Lord Buntingford as they shook hands.
"The train was very late," she explained in a voice of apology.
"They always are," said Lord Buntingford.

"Never mind.

You are in quite good time.

Miss Pitstone hasn't arrived.

Norris, take Mrs.Friend's luggage upstairs." An ancient man-servant appeared.