But it was not; it was Mrs Keswick's niece, deeply engrossed by a large-paged novel.

She turned her head as he entered, and said: "Good evening." "Good evening, Miss Annie," said Lawrence, seating himself in a chair opposite her on the other side of the window.
"Mr Croft," said she, laying her book on her lap, and inclining herself slightly toward him, "you have no right to call me Miss Annie, and I wish you would not do it.

The servants in the South call ladies by their first names, whether they are married or not, but people would think it very strange if you should imitate them.

My name in this house is Mrs Null, and I wish you would not forget it." "The trouble with me is," said Lawrence, with a smile, "that I cannot forget it is not Mrs Null, but, of course, if you desire it, I will give you that name." "I told you before how much I desired it," said she, "and why.

When my aunt finds out the exact state of this affair, I shall wish to stay no longer in this house; and I don't want my stay to come to an end at present.