The old woman Mr.
Strafford introduced as his housekeeper, Mrs.Hall, and Mrs.Costello recognized her as her own successor in the charge of that school for Indian women and girls of which she had told Lucia.
The room in which supper was laid, and into which the outer door opened, was large and square.

At each end two smaller ones opened off it--on one side Mr.Strafford's study and bedroom, at the other Mrs.Hall's room and the one which had been prepared for the guests.

Here also a fire burned brightly on the hearth, shining on the white walls and on the bed where, years ago, Mrs.Costello had watched her baby through its first illness.

She sat down for a moment to recall that time, and to recognize bit by bit the familiar aspect of the place; then she made haste to lay aside her wrappings and get ready for supper.
It was quite ready by this time--the most luxurious meal Mrs.Hall's resources could provide.

There was coffee--not to be praised in itself, but hot, and accompanied by an abundance of cream.