She went with her quick, light tread down to the square hall which gave a suggestion of comfort to the Vicarage which not one of its rooms endorsed.
Without an instant's hesitation she knocked upon the first door she came to.

A voice within gave her permission to enter, and she did so.
The Reverend Stephen Lorimer turned from his writing-table with a face of dignified severity to receive her, but at sight of her his expression changed somewhat.
"Ah, Mrs.Denys! You, is it?
Pray come in!" he said urbanely.

"Is there any way in which I can be of service to you ?" His eyes were dark and very small, so small that they nearly disappeared when he smiled.

But for this slight defect, Mr.Lorimer would have been a handsome man.

He rose as Avery approached and placed a chair for her with elaborate courtesy.
"Thank you," she said.