She knew the knock.
The door opened slowly to a hesitating push, and disclosed Mr.Golightly Ticke by degrees.

Mr.Ticke was accustomed to boudoirs less rigid in their exclusiveness, and always handled Miss Bell's door with a certain amount of embarrassment.

If she wanted a chance to whisk anything out of the way he would give her that chance.

Fully in view of the lady and the coffee-pot Mr.Ticke made a stage bow.

"Here is my apology," he said, holding out a letter; "I found it in the box as I came in." It was another long thick envelope, and in its upper left hand corner was printed, in early English lettering, _The St.George's Gazette_.