He was too thorough a gentleman to trouble approach by uneasy advance, and he had no fear of anything Cosmo had done.

He stood therefore in the kitchen door, calmly expectant.
A long-cloaked lady got down, and, turning from the assistant hand of his son, came towards him--a handsome lady, tall and somewhat stately, but weary, and probably in want of food as well as rest.
He bowed with old-fashioned worship, and held out his hand to welcome her.

She gave him hers graciously, and thanked him for the hospitality his son had offered them.
"Come in, come in, madam," said the old man.

"The fireside is the best place for explanations.

Welcome to a poor house but a warm hearth! So much we can yet offer stranger-friends." He led the way, and she followed him into the kitchen.