Sir Samuel whipped his single eyeglass into what he called his "off" eye, and took a step forward. As Caroline was withdrawing, and the door was half closed, he spoke to her.
"Here, I say," he said, "can you ... I mean is there any one in the house who can glue this button on for me?"
He pulled off one of his white gloves as he spoke, and held it out to her.
With a little frown Caroline turned, paused an instant, and then advanced and took the glove from him.
"It's a beastly nuisance when the buttons come off," said Sir Samuel; "the Johnnies that sell gloves ought to do the stitching themselves—eh?..."
He was studying Caroline attentively, wondering the while who the deuce she was. He thought he had sampled all the inmates of Mrs. Lancing's small house. Those he had seen he had found very unexciting; but this girl was different.
"I think this button is quite firm, it will not come off just yet," said Caroline, and she gave him back the glove.
Before he could speak again she had vanished, and the door was shut behind her.
Sir Samuel pulled the glove on with a jerk.
"D——d fine eyes," he said, "but she knows all about that, and puts frills on in consequence."