She was sitting by herself; having driven the old house keeper away from her; and there were no traces of tears then on her face, though she had wept plentifully when Mrs.Clavering had been with her in the morning.

But there had come upon her suddenly a look of age, which nothing but such sorrow as this can produce.

Mrs.
Clavering was surprised to see that she had dressed herself carefully since the morning, as was her custom to do daily, even when alone; and that she was not in her bedroom, but in a small sitting room which she generally used when Sir Hugh was not at the Park.
"My poor Hermione," said Mrs.Clavering, coming up to her, and taking her by the hand.
"Yes, I am poor; poor enough.

Why have they troubled you to come across again ?" "Did you not send for me?
But it was quite right, whether you sent or no.

Of course I should come when I heard it.