She declared that she knew exactly what she would be like.

She would be cold, and stern, and hateful, or Aunt Pike would not have taken to her; and when Miss Pidsley came into the room to receive them, she knew that to some extent she was right.

Her new mistress welcomed them--at least she shook hands with them--and she smiled--at least she half closed her eyes in a weary fashion, and widened her lips, but there was no heartiness or gladness in it.

But while Kitty felt the chilliness of it, she could not help sympathizing with Miss Pidsley.
To her it would have been wonderful if any one had been able to smile in such a house as that.
Presently tea was brought in, and for nearly half an hour Kitty sat holding tea and bread and butter, trying her best to swallow both, but vainly.

Miss Hammond did not appear at tea.