"A gentleman!" she repeated.
"Ay, a gentleman," said the worthy woman; "and one of the right sort too, or you may depend upon it I wouldn't have had him shown into my front parlour, where he now is. Not but what you can take care of yourself, Miss Fanny, and I trust you to give any jackanapes a regular good setting-down, with your quiet look, and your calm voice, and your none-of-your-impudence manner; but this is a gentleman, and when I showed him into the parlour, I told him I was sure you would see him."
"I will come directly, Mrs. Gillot."
She rose, took a hasty glance in the little scrap of looking-glass, and descended the stairs.
Her heart beat highly as she laid her hand upon the parlour-door. It resumed its normal rate or pulsation as the door opened beneath her touch, and she saw, standing before her on the hearth-rug, the unexpected figure of John Merton.
Something in her face when she first recognised him, something in the tone of her voice, some note of surprise and disappointment when she bade him goodmorning, must have betrayed itself, for he said hurriedly:
"You did not expect to see me, Miss Stafford."
"I confess I did not; but of course I am very glad. I--I hope Bella is quite well?"
"Bella is very well, I believe."
"Have you brought me some message from her?"