A smile rose to her face.
Then she went out and signalled to Northway, who approached in an embarrassed way, doing his best to hold his head up and look dignified.
Mrs.Wade regarded him with contemptuous amusement, but was careful to show nothing of this; her face and tone as she greeted him expressed more than civility--all but deference.
"Will you do me the kindness to enter for a few minutes, Mr.Northway ?" He doffed his hat, smiled sourly, and followed her into the little dining-room.

But as she was closing the door, he interfered.
"Excuse me--I don't want that lady to go away until I have seen her again." Mrs.Wade none the less closed the door, holding herself with imperturbable politeness.
"She is resting in the next room.

I give you my word, Mr.Northway, that you will find her there when our conversation is over." He looked about him with sullen uneasiness, but could not resist this lady's manner.
"Pray sit down.

Quite a spring day, isn't it ?" Her tone was melancholy, tempered with the consideration of a hostess.
Northway seated himself much as if he were in church.

He tried to examine Mrs.Wade's face, but could not meet her look.