On the other side a painted hand pointed along a boundary-wall to an inscription which warned him to go that way if he had business in the kitchen.

On the gravel walk at the foot of the housesteps words, neatly traced in little white shells, reminded him not to "forget the scraper".

On the doorstep he was informed, in letters of lead, that he was "Welcome!" On the mat in the passage bristly black words burst on his attention, commanding him to "wipe his shoes." Even the hat-stand in the hall was not allowed to speak for itself; it had "Hats and Cloaks" inscribed on it, and it issued its directions imperatively in the matter of your wet umbrella--"Put it here!" Giving the trim little servant his card, Mr.Troy was introduced to a reception-room on the lower floor.

Before he had time to look round him the door was opened again from without, and Isabel stole into the room on tiptoe.

She looked worn and anxious.