Arminell said nothing. Her brows were knit and her lips set.
“I am sorry we have to give up the trip to Switzerland; it might have been pleasant, had we been all together, but I must deny myself that. The Irish property has brought in nothing; and I have lost money in other ways; now I must set the men to work on the new road—that is, if they will condescend to make it.”
On reaching the house, Lord Lamerton went at once to the drawing-room, and caught his wife dozing over a magazine. He put his hand on her shoulder, and said,
“Julia!”
She started, and dropped her book.
“Oh, you are back at last! Have you had anything to eat?”
“More than I am able to digest, my dear.”
“How did the speech succeed? You remembered Langland’s date, I hope?”
“My dear, I have heard too many speeches to-day to remember anything about my own—that is to say, yours. I have had three—one from Mr. Welsh, one from Captain Saltren, and one from Arminell, and upon my soul, I do not know which was the most unpleasant. Do you know where Arminell has been since dinner?”
“In her room, I suppose.”