"That was what you wanted, wasn't it?" she said. "So you've only just come?"
Susan answered civilly but coldly. She did not wish to plunge into fresh acquaintances, without knowing something first of the people around. Like a wise mother, she had a great notion of choosing good and desirable companions for her children.
But the new-comer, smiling good-humouredly, seemed unconscious of her coldness.
"Now, I suppose you'll put the cupboard into that recess. It'll just fit there, if I'm not mistaken. What a handsome bit of furniture it is! And that clock has the look of something uncommon. Old, isn't it?"
"Yes,—it came from Holland. It's more than a hundred years old," said Susan.
"Wouldn't Mr. Rawdon give something to have it! He's a wonderful fancier of old furniture and the like!"
Mr. Rawdon was Richard Dunn's new employer; but Susan said nothing. She could hardly refuse, however, the kindly offered help, and for a few minutes the two worked hard.
"That looks well!" the other said presently. "Is this little one your only child? Pretty," was murmured in a lower key.
"No, I've two others."
"Older or younger?"