"This way! this way, Hannah!" and conducted her up the marble steps to
the visitors' entrance.

He preceded her into the drawing-room, a spacious apartment now in its
simple summer dress of straw matting, linen covers, and lace curtains.

Mrs. Brudenell and the two young ladies, all in white muslin morning
dresses, were gathered around a marble table in the recess of the back
bay window, looking over newspapers.

On seeing the visitor who accompanied her son, Mrs. Brudenell arose with
a look of haughty surprise.

"You wished to see Hannah Worth, I believe, mother, and here she is,"
said Herman.

"My housekeeper did. Touch the bell, if you please, Herman."

Mr. Brudenell did as requested, and the summons was answered by Jovial.

"Take this woman to Mrs. Spicer, and say that she has come about the
weaving. When she leaves show her where the servants' door is, so that
she may know where to find it when she comes again," said Mrs. Brudenell
haughtily. As soon as Hannah had left the room Herman said:

"Mother, you need not have hurt that poor girl's feelings by speaking so
before her."

"She need not have exposed herself to rebuke by entering where she did."