Miss Deetle was a gaunt and angular spinster who had an unhappy trick of talking with a jerk.

She looked as if she were constantly under self-restraint and was liable at any moment to explode into a fit of rage and only repressed herself with considerable effort.

As they came up the stoop, Eudoxia, already instructed by Mrs.Rossmore, was ready for them.

With her instinctive respect for the priestly garb she was rather taken back on seeing a clergyman, but she brazened it out: "Mr.Rossmore's not home." Then shaking her head, she added: "They don't see no visitors." Unabashed, the Rev.Deetle drew a card from a case and handing it to the girl said pompously: "Then we will see Mrs.Rossmore.I saw her at the window as we came along.

Here, my girl, take her this card.