Mothers are often unaware of their daughters' strong points, but their weaknesses they may be trusted to understand pretty well.
The little scene was just well over, and Adela had taken a seat by the window, when a gentleman who was approaching the front door saw her and raised his hat.

She went very pale.
The next moment there was a knock at the front door.
'Mother,' the girl whispered, as if she could not speak louder, 'it is Mr.Eldon.' 'Mr.Eldon ?' Mrs.Waltham drew herself up with dignity, then started from her seat.

'The idea of his daring to come here!' She intercepted the servant who was going to open the door.
'Jane, we are not at home!' The maid stood in astonishment.

She was not used to the polite fictions of society; never before had that welcome mortal, an afternoon visitor, been refused at Mrs.Waltham's.
'What did you say, please, mum ?' 'You will say that we are not at home, neither I nor Miss Waltham.' Even if Hubert Eldon had not seen Adela at the window he must have been dull not to read the meaning of the servant's singular face and tone.

He walked away with a quiet 'Thank you.' Mrs.Waltham cast a side glance at Adela when she heard the outer door close.