As they did so a woman of small stature, and wearing a rusty black dress, arose from a seat near the window.

The moment she saw Edith she drew a heavy dark veil over her face with a quickness of movement that had in it as much of discomfiture as surprise.
Mrs.Dinneford was equal to the occasion.

The imminent peril in which she stood calmed the wild tumult within, as the strong wind calms this turbulent ocean, and gave her thoughts clearness and her mind decision.
Edith saw before the veil fell a startled face, and recognized the sallow countenance and black, evil eyes, the woman who had once before called to see her mother.
"Didn't I tell you not to come here, Mrs.Gray ?" cried out Mrs.
Dinneford, with an anger that was more real than feigned, advancing quickly upon the woman as she spoke.

"Go!" and she pointed to the door, "and don't you dare to come here again.

I told you when you were here last time that I wouldn't be bothered with you any longer.