However contemptible and unaccountable, this was the state of things with him, and, as he waited for the door to be opened, it made him feel more awkward, more foolish, than for many a long year.
Mrs.Frothingham and her step-daughter were sitting alone, the elder lady occupied with fancy-work, at her feet a basket of many-coloured silks, and the younger holding a book; nothing could have been quieter or more home-like.

No sooner had he entered than he overcame all restraint, all misgiving; there was nothing here today but peace and good feeling, gentle voices and quiet amiability.

Whatever shadow had arisen between the two ladies must have passed utterly away; they spoke to each other with natural kindness, and each had a tranquil countenance.
Alma began at once to talk of their common friends, the Carnabys, asking whether Rolfe knew that they were in Australia.
'I knew they had decided to go,' he answered.

'But I haven't heard for at least two months.' 'Oh, then I can give you all the news; I had a letter yesterday.

When Mrs.Carnaby wrote, they had spent a fortnight at Melbourne, and were going on to Brisbane.