Indeed, ever since the angry scene with Arthur a
fortnight before, she had been conscious of bodily and mental strain.
Which perhaps accounted for the feeling of irritation with which she
perceived the figure of her daughter standing on the steps of Coryston
House beside Sir Wilfrid Bury. Marcia had come to her that morning with
some tiresome story about the Newburys and the divorced woman Mrs. Betts.
How could she think of such things, when her mind was full of Arthur? Girls
really should be more considerate.
The car drew up at the steps, and Marcia and Sir Wilfrid awaited it. Even
preoccupied as she was, Lady Coryston could not help noticing that Marcia
was subdued and silent. She asked her mother no questions, and after
helping Lady Coryston to alight, she went quickly into the house. It
vaguely crossed the mother's mind that her daughter was depressed or
annoyed--perhaps with her? But she could not stop to think about it.
Sir Wilfrid, however, followed Lady Coryston into the drawing-room.
"What have you been doing?" he asked her, smiling, taking the liberty of an
old friend and co-executor. "I think I guess!"
She looked at him somberly.
"She won't marry him! But not a word to Arthur, please--not a word!--till I
give you leave.
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