Man and Wife

by Wilkie Collins

  "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