It--it makes me ill." And forthwith she went off into a fit of hysterics.
It was at this crisis of the baby's fate that Miss Batchelor, of all people, took it into her head to call.

After all, Tyson was Nevill Tyson, Esquire, of Thorneytoft, and his wife had been somewhere very near death's door.

People who would have died rather than call for any other reason, called "to inquire." As did Miss Batchelor, saying to herself that nothing should induce her to go in.
Now as she was inquiring in her very softest voice, who should come up to the doorstep but Tyson.

He smiled as he greeted her.

He was polite; he was charming; for as a matter of fact he had been rather hard-driven of late, and a little kindness touched him, especially when it came from an unexpected quarter.
"This is very good of you, Miss Batchelor," said he.