"No. A woman who has been tried by no common suffering, and who
has borne her hard lot nobly. A woman who deserves the calmer and
the happier life on which she is entering now."
"May I ask who she is?"
Before the question can be answered, a knock at the house door
announces the arrival of visitors. For the third time, Julius and
his wife look at each other. On this occasion, Julius interferes.
"My wife has already told you, Lady Lundie, that we expect Mr.
and Mrs. Brinkworth to lunch. Sir Patrick, and the new Lady
Lundie, accompany them. If I am mistaken in supposing that it
might not be quite agreeable to you to meet them, I can only ask
your pardon. If I am right, I will leave Lady Holchester to
receive our friends, and will do myself the honor of taking you
into another room."
He advances to the door of an inner room. He offers his arm to
Lady Lundie. Her ladyship stands immovable; determined to see the
woman who has supplanted her. In a moment more, the door of
entrance from the hall is thrown open; and the servant announces,
"Sir Patrick and Lady Lundie. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Brinkworth."
Lady Lundie looks at the woman who has taken her place at the
head of the family; and sees--ANNE SILVESTER!
End of The Project Gutenberg Etext of Man and Wife, by Wilkie Collins
Man and Wife Page 75
