Lady Castlewood was neither for inviting nor for refusing him, but for delaying.

"Wait till your aunt comes, children; perhaps the Baroness won't like to see the young man; at least, let us consult her before we ask him." And so the hospitality to be offered by his nearest kinsfolk to poor Harry Warrington remained yet in abeyance.
At length the equipage of the Baroness Bernstein made its appearance, and whatever doubt there might be as to the reception of the Virginian stranger, there was no lack of enthusiasm in this generous family regarding their wealthy and powerful kinswoman.

The state-chamber had already been prepared for her.

The cook had arrived the previous day with instructions to get ready a supper for her such as her ladyship liked.

The table sparkled with old plate, and was set in the oak dining-room with the pictures of the family round the walls.