Raising the finger put forward by the guest with the same deference as though it had been the hand of a King, she bent her head down and kissed it.

Her duty of courtesy now done, she was preparing to rise, when he put his hand into his pocket, and, pulling out a sovereign, offered it to her.

His valet moved his hand forward, as if to pull back his arm, but it was too late.

I am sure, Your Honour, that no affront was intended.

He doubtless thought that he was doing a kindness of the sort usual in England when one "tips" a housekeeper.