Her hand was on the knob some moments before she ventured to turn it.

She heard Egremont laughing--his natural laugh which was so attractive--and then there fell a silence.

She entered.
No, Gilbert had not seated his visitor in the easy chair; that must be reserved for someone of more importance.

Egremont rose with a look of pleasure.
'You know Miss Trent already ?' Gilbert said to him.
Thyrza drew near.

She did not hear very distinctly what Egremont was saying, but certainly he was offering to shake hands.