quietly, but still, as I have said, rather annoyed.

As if in mockery of the humble visitor, the footman threw open both
battants of the door, and in the opening there stood a lithe, wiry lad,
with a thick head of hair, standing out in every direction, as if stirred
by some electrical current, a short, brown face, red now from affright
and excitement, wide, resolute mouth, and bright, deep-set eyes, which
glanced keenly and rapidly round the room, as if taking in everything
(and all was new and strange), to be thought and puzzled over at some
future time. He knew enough of manners not to speak first to one above
him in rank, or else he was afraid.

"What do you want with me?" asked my lady; in so gentle a tone that it
seemed to surprise and stun him.

"An't please your ladyship?" said he, as if he had been deaf.

"You come from Mr. Horner's: why do you want to see me?" again asked she,
a little more loudly.

"An't please your ladyship, Mr. Horner was sent for all on a sudden to
Warwick this morning."

His face began to work; but he felt it, and closed his lips into a
resolute form.

"Well?"

"And he went off all on a sudden like."