I want to see what metal she's really made of." While Mr.Clare was addressing these words to Miss Garth, Mr.Pendril had taken the opportunity of speaking to Norah.

"Before I go back to town," he said, "I should like to have a word with you in private.

From what has passed today, Miss Vanstone, I have formed a very high opinion of your discretion; and, as an old friend of your father's, I want to take the freedom of speaking to you about your sister." Before Norah could answer, she was summoned, in compliance with Mr.
Clare's request, to the conference with the servants.

Mr.Pendril followed Miss Garth, as a matter of course.

When the three were out in the hall, Mr.Clare re-entered the room, closed the door, and signed peremptorily to Magdalen to take a chair.
She obeyed him in silence.