Part 128 (2/2)
Her ladys.h.i.+p drops back on the sofa; helpless really and truly helpless, under the double blow that has fallen on her. She is not only struck out of her place as the chief woman of the family, but (still on the right side of forty) she is socially superannuated, as The Dowager Lady Lundie, for the rest of her life!
”At his age!” she exclaims, as soon as she can speak.
”Pardon me for reminding you,” Lady Holchester answers, ”that plenty of men marry at Sir Patrick's age. In his case, it is only due to him to say that his motive raises him beyond the reach of ridicule or reproach.
His marriage is a good action, in the highest sense of the word. It does honor to _him,_ as well as to the lady who shares his position and his name.”
”A young girl, of course!” is Lady Lundie's next remark.
”No. A woman who has been tried by no common suffering, and who has borne her hard lot n.o.bly. 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 ladys.h.i.+p 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!
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