It's your ladyship--" "Ah, well," she said, quietly interrupting, "you need not be afraid for me either.

I shall not go downstairs again to-night.

He will not be expecting me." "Very good, my lady." Dimsdale looked somewhat relieved but not wholly satisfied.

He lingered as if he longed yet did not dare to say more.
As for Anne, she sat quite motionless gazing into the fire, her hands clasped very tightly before her.

She seemed to have dismissed the subject under discussion and the faithful Dimsdale simultaneously from her mind.
After a few seconds the old butler realised this, and without further ado he removed the tea-things and went quietly away.
Anne did not notice his departure.