Netherby Gomme went to meet her, and as she shut the door she held out her gloved hand to him:
“How are you, Mrs. Baddlesmere?” said he.
“How are you, Netherby?” It was a charming voice that spoke. “Julia, too! why this thusness?”
Julia blushed and smiled embarrassedly:
Mrs. Baddlesmere turned to the boy:
“Hard at work, Noll?”
Noll shrugged his shoulders, where he sat hunched on his office-stool:
“No, mother, I miss my tobacco,” said he.
Mrs. Baddlesmere laughed lightly.
“Don’t be stupid, Noll. Remember, you promised me—for a fortnight, you ridiculous child.”