25 summoned to the earl 's study by a footman , sherry bade a cheerful good morning to the servants she passed in the upper hall , paused in front of a gilt-framed mirror to ensure her hair was tidy , then she smoothed the skirt of her new lime dress and presented herself to hodgkin , who was stationed at the open doors to the study , watching as footmen applied beeswax to graceful tables and polish to silver candelabra .