Not until they were crossing the aisle, where the clearer light streamed in through the open doors, did Joan see that she was very old and feeble, with about her figure that curious patient droop that comes to the work-worn.

She proved to be most interesting and full of helpful information.

Mary Stopperton was her name.

She had lived in the neighbourhood all her life; had as a girl worked for the Leigh Hunts and had "assisted" Mrs.
Carlyle.

She had been very frightened of the great man himself, and had always hidden herself behind doors or squeezed herself into corners and stopped breathing whenever there had been any fear of meeting him upon the stairs.