He was welcome to wait in the parlor if he liked.
Afterward, seized with mingled curiosity and misgiving, she made various errands to go in and look at him; but she had not courage to address him, and he never spoke to her.

He sat by the window, gazing out into the gloaming.

Except just turning his head at her entrance; she did not think he had once stirred the whole time.
Elizabeth went back to her kitchen, and stood listening for her young mistress's familiar knock.

Mr.Lyon seemed to have listened too, for before she could reach it the door was already opened.
There was a warm greeting--to her great relief: for she knew she had broken the domestic laws in admitting a stranger unawares--and then Elizabeth heard them all three go into the parlor, where they remained talking, without ringing for either tea or candles, a full quarter of an hour.
Miss Hilary at last came out, but much to Elizabeth's surprise, went straight up into her bedroom without entering the kitchen at all.
It was some minutes more before she descended; and then, after giving her orders for tea, and seeing that all was arranged with special neatness, she stood absently by the kitchen fire.

Elizabeth noticed how wonderfully bright her eyes were, and what a soft, happy smile she had.