He rang sharply at the door, and when it was opened, walked with happy confidence into the drawing-room.
Charley was bound to follow him, and there he found himself again in the presence of Mrs.Woodward and her daughters.

Katie would fain have absented herself, but Mrs.Woodward knew that the first meeting could take place in no more favourable manner.
Mrs.Woodward bade him welcome with a collected voice, and assured, if not easy manner.

She shook hands with him cordially, and said a few words as to her pleasure of seeing him again.

Then he next took Linda's hand, and she too made a little speech, more awkwardly than her mother, saying something mal a propos about the very long time he had been away; and then she laughed with a little titter, trying to recover herself.

And at last he came to Katie.