By the time that she had reached the house she had in some degree reconciled herself to the dangerous step that her mistress had taken, partly by perceiving that in face Dorothy Stanbury was very like her brother Hugh, and partly, perhaps, by finding that the young woman's manner to herself was both gentle and sprightly.

She knew well that gentleness alone, without some back-bone of strength under it, would not long succeed with Miss Stanbury.

"As far as I can judge, ma'am, she's a sweet young lady," said Martha, when she reported her arrival to her mistress, who had retired up-stairs to her own room, in order that she might thus hear a word of tidings from her lieutenant, before she showed herself on the field of action.
"Sweet! I hate your sweets," said Miss Stanbury.
"Then why did you send for her, ma'am ?" "Because I was an old fool.

But I must go down and receive her, I suppose." Then Miss Stanbury went down, almost trembling as she went.

The matter to her was one of vital importance.