He had seen her acting the part of cook, disguised by a pink sunbonnet and an old-fashioned calico gown.

And what pranks she and the Haverleys--two estimable young people, but also lively and independent--might play, no one could tell.

The duration of Dora's visit would depend on her brother Herbert, and he was a man of business, whose time was not at all at his own disposal, and so, the doctor thought, it would not be a bad thing if Miss Panney would call at Cobhurst the next day, and see what those three youngsters were about.
The Wittons had gone to bed, but Miss Panney was in the parlor, reading.
"Early to bed and early to rise," was not one of her rules.
"Well, really!" she exclaimed, as she rose to greet her visitor, "this is amazing.

How many years has it been since you came to see me without being sent for ?" "I do not keep account of years," said the doctor, "and if I choose to stop in and have a chat with you, I shall do it without reference to precedent.

This is a purely social call, and I shall not even ask you how you are." "I beg you will not," said the old lady, "and that will give me a good reason for sending for you when you ought to be informed on that point." "This is not my first social call this evening," said he.