"If you please, sir, Joseph wishes to speak to you." "Where is he ?" "Outside, sir." "Tell him to come in." Thanks to the etiquette of the servants' hall--which did not permit Joseph to present himself, voluntarily, in the regions above the drawing-room, without being first represented by an ambassadress--attention was now diverted from the children.

Zo folded her letter, enclosed it in the envelope, and hid it in her pocket.
Joseph appeared.

"I beg your pardon, sir, I don't quite know whether I ought to disturb my mistress.

Mr.Le Frank has called, and asked if he can see her." Mr.Gallilee consulted the parlour-maid.

"Was your mistress asleep when I sent you to her ?" "No, sir.