"Do not move yet, Isabella; I came here to seek you; wishing to have a few moments' conversation."
She looked at him enquiringly
"I have been thinking it would be as well if you wrote and invited Mrs. Elrington to come and spend this Christmas with us."
"Mrs. Elrington!" cried she, in astonishment.
"Yes, I think it would be the right thing to do; nay, I am sure of it, and wonder it has never struck either of us before."
"It would be the last thing I should think of; as I am sure there is not the slightest use in asking her."
"Why not?"
"She would never come; but would send a refusal, perhaps not couched in very civil terms."
"I think you may be wrong. I hope so, at least. It is true she held aloof when we married, why, or wherefore, I never knew; and has continued estranged ever since; but surely her sending Miss Neville is a proof she might be conciliated; at all events, there can be no harm in attempting it."