The doctor, who heard it as he was standing in the drawing-room, knew that his daughter was coming, and retired into the furthest corner, where he might not see her entrance.

Mrs.Proudie perked herself up, feeling that some important piece of business was in hand.

The bishop was instinctively aware that La Signora Vicinironi was come at last, and Mr.Slope hurried into the hall to give his assistance.
He was, however, nearly knocked down and trampled on by the cortege that he encountered on the hall steps.

He got himself picked up, as well as he could, and followed the cortege upstairs.

The signora was carried head foremost, her head being the care of her brother and an Italian manservant who was accustomed to the work; her feet were in the care of the lady's maid and the lady's Italian page; and Charlotte Stanhope followed to see that all was done with due grace and decorum.
In this manner they climbed easily into the drawing-room, and a broad way through the crowd having been opened, the signora rested safely on her couch.