I knew I could not escape my fate, so I walked downstairs as coolly as I could, and encountered them all in the hall.

Miss Darrell gave a little shriek when she saw me.
'Dear me, Miss Garston, how you startled me! Who would have thought of finding you here on Sunday evening, when all good people are at church!' but here Mr.Hamilton put her aside with little ceremony: he really seemed as though he were glad to see me.
'You came to sit with Gladys: it was very kind and thoughtful of you.
Poor girl, she seemed rather dull, but now you have cheered her up.' 'Perhaps Miss Garston will extend her cheering influence, Giles,' observed Miss Darrell in her most staccato manner, 'and remain to supper.
Leah will see her home.' 'I am going to perform that office myself, Etta.

Will you stay ?' looking at me in a friendly manner.
'Not to-night,' I returned hurriedly; 'and, indeed, I can very well walk alone.' But Mr.Hamilton settled that question by putting on his greatcoat.
'Oh, of course Giles will walk with you: how could he do less ?' replied Miss Darrell, with a scarcely perceptible sneer.

'You have timed your visit so well that he will be just back to supper.

So you have been sitting with dear Gladys?
I wonder how you knew she had a cold: private information, I suppose.