Those who had been fortunate enough to enter the sacred precincts of the Manor watched with interest, mingled with approval.

(Her icy style was quite _comme-il-faut_, they said.) Those who had been met by the frightened handmaid's "not at home" watched with interest, mixed with disapproval, but all, all waited for Mrs.Bertram with interest.
"How late these fashionable people are," quote Miss Peters.

"It's absolutely five o'clock.

My dear Martha, do sit down and rest yourself.
You look fit to drop.

I'll keep an eye on the door and tell you the very moment Mrs.Bertram comes in.