Mrs.Poyser advanced to the door to meet them, curtsying low and trembling between anger with Dinah and anxiety to conduct herself with perfect propriety on the occasion.

For in those days the keenest of bucolic minds felt a whispering awe at the sight of the gentry, such as of old men felt when they stood on tiptoe to watch the gods passing by in tall human shape.
"Well, Mrs.Poyser, how are you after this stormy morning ?" said Mr.
Irwine, with his stately cordiality.

"Our feet are quite dry; we shall not soil your beautiful floor." "Oh, sir, don't mention it," said Mrs.Poyser.

"Will you and the captain please to walk into the parlour ?" "No, indeed, thank you, Mrs.Poyser," said the captain, looking eagerly round the kitchen, as if his eye were seeking something it could not find.

"I delight in your kitchen.