She had also feared, though in lesser degree, lest Lady Arabella should be present to make trouble for her as before.
With a woman's natural forethought in a difficult position, she had provided the furnishing of the tea-table as a subtle indication of the social difference between her and her guest.

She had chosen the implements of service, as well as all the provender set forth, of the humblest kind.

Instead of arranging the silver teapot and china cups, she had set out an earthen teapot, such as was in common use in the farm kitchen.

The same idea was carried out in the cups and saucers of thick homely delft, and in the cream-jug of similar kind.

The bread was of simple whole-meal, home-baked.