Mr. Carrisford

"Go back to your work, Becky," Miss Amelia had said, but she had stopped to pick up reverently first a muff and then a coat, and while she stood looking at them adoringly, she heard Miss Minchin upon the threshold, and being smitten with terror at the thought of being accused of taking liberties, she rashly darted under the table, which hid her by its tablecloth.

Miss Minchin came into the room, accompanied by a sharp-featured, dry little gentleman who looked rather disturbed.

Miss Minchin herself also looked rather disturbed, it must be admitted, and she gazed at the dry little gentleman with an irritated and puzzled expression.

She sat down with stiff dignity and waved him to a chair.

"Pray be seated, Mr. Barrow," she said.

Janet and Nora exchanged glances.

A beggar girl would never have said that, decided Janet.

She would have said, thank you kindly, little gentleman.