His amusement, however, was perfectly good-natured.
"If you will open this door," he said, "you will see another one exactly opposite to you.

That is the drawing-room.

You will find Esther there.
Before you go, will you pass me the Quarterly Review?
Thank you." Hamel crossed the hail, opened the door of the room to which he had been directed, and made his way towards the piano.

Esther was there, playing softly to herself with eyes half closed.

He came and stood by her side, and she stopped abruptly.