The composure of the servants was, in the circumstances, remarkable.

It needed to have been, for the courage displayed by Lali's two new guardians during the day almost faltered at the threshold of their own home.

Any sign of surprise or amusement on the part of the domestics would have given them some painful moments subsequently.

But all was perfectly decorous.

Marion still stood motionless, almost dazed, The group advanced into the hall, and there paused, as if waiting for her.
At that moment Richard came out of the study at her right hand, took her arm, and said quietly: "Come along, Marion.