Why will you continue these importunities?
They are of no avail." A loud knocking on the street door was now heard.

By this time, a servant who had retired came down from her room and was moving along the passage, when Mr.Howland intercepted her, with the question-- "Where are you going ?" "Some one rung the bell," replied the servant.
"Never mind; go back to your room.

You needn't open the door." "Andrew isn't in yet," said the servant, respectfully.
"Didn't I say, go back to your room ?" returned Mr.Howland, in a sharp voice.
Twice more the bell was rung, and twice more the knocking was repeated.

Then all remained silent.
"Come, Esther!" said Mr.Howland to his wife, who was sitting on a sofa, with her face buried in her hands.

"Let us go up stairs.