He took off his hat, passed his handkerchief over forehead and face, and then pulled the tinkling door-bell.

A fat Irish girl presently appeared, and ushered him in with a stare and a grin, wiping her hands upon her apron.
Meanwhile Cornelia, having said a few words to her father to excuse Bressant's unceremonious departure--she refrained instinctively from letting him know what had actually taken place--bade him good-night, and went up-stairs with a more sober step than was her wont.

She tapped at Sophie's door, and stayed just long enough to make the necessary arrangements for the night.

Sophie, being drowsy, asked but few questions, and received brief replies.

When Cornelia reached her own room, she closed the door with a feeling of relief.