She tried to speak, but only succeeded in making a sound as if she were deaf and dumb.
Then Miss Farrel spoke.

There was a weary astonishment and amusement in her tone, but nothing whatever disturbed or harsh.

"Oh, is it you, Hannah ?" she said.
Hannah murmured something unintelligible.
Miss Farrel went on, sweetly: "So you thought you would try on my lace gown, Hannah ?" she said.

"It fits you very well.

I see your hands are clean.