In the dark passage she was startled by coming in contact with someone.
'Oh, who is that ?' A muttered reply informed her that it was the old woman.

They went forward into the nearest room.

There was a disagreeable smile on Mrs.
Butterfield's thin lips.
'If you please, have you got a hammer ?' Thyrza asked.

'Mr.Egremont wants one.' The old woman went apart, and returned with a hammer which was used for breaking coals.
'Oh, could you just wipe it ?' Thyrza said.

'The handle's so very black.' It was done, ungraciously enough, and Thyrza hastened back.