He had called thus early, on his way to the mill, to inquire for Mr.Cartwright's present address having occasion to communicate with him on business matters.
The room was so small that Emily had a difficulty in reaching Mrs.
Cartwright to shake hands with her, owing to Dagworthy's almost blocking the only available way round the table.

He stood up and drew back, waiting his turn for greeting; when it came, he assumed the manner of an old friend.

A chair was found for Emily, and conversation, or what passed for such, speedily regathered volume.

The breakfast things were still on the table, and Miss Geraldine, who was always reluctant to rise of a morning, was engaged upon her meal.
'You see what it's come to, Mr.Dagworthy,' exclaimed the mother of the family, with her usual lack of reticence.

'Jessie can't or won't learn by herself, so she has to bother Emily to come and teach her.