It was one of those unforgettable instants when character, she understood, was more effective than culture.

Even Arthur would have appeared at a disadvantage beside O'Hara at that moment.
"I think I ought to help you," she insisted.
"Well, I think you oughtn't.

Out you go! I guess I know what I'm up against." Before she could protest, before she could even resist, he had pushed her out into the hail, and while she still hesitated there at the head of the staircase, the door opened far enough to allow the huddled figure of Miss Polly to creep through the crack.

Then the key turned in the lock; and O'Hara's voice was heard pacifying George as he might have pacified a child or a lunatic.

After a few minutes the shrieks stopped suddenly; the door was unlocked again for a minute, and there floated out the reassuring words: "Don't stand out there any longer.