Then Morel pulled himself together. Clara saw Paul’s manner of bowing and shaking hands.
“ Oh, indeed!” exclaimed Morel. “I am very glad to see you—I am, I assure you. But don’t disturb yourself. No, no make yourself quite comfortable, and be very welcome.”
Clara was astonished at this flood of hospitality from the old collier. He was so courteous, so gallant! She thought him most delightful.
“ And may you have come far?” he asked.
“ Only from Nottingham,” she said.
“ From Nottingham! Then you have had a beautiful day for your journey.”
Then he strayed into the scullery to wash his hands and face, and from force of habit came on to the hearth with the towel to dry himself.
At tea Clara felt the refinement and sang-froid of the household. Mrs. Morel was perfectly at her ease. The
