The company soon afterwards rose to go.
“Good-bye, Mrs. Coleman,” said the Major in his careless way; “I am glad to find Manchester does not disagree with you. At least, I should think it does not.”
“Oh no, Major Maitland, I like it quite as well as London. Mind, you promise to come again soon—very soon.”
The Major had gone downstairs first. She had followed him to the first landing, and then returned to bid Pauline and Caillaud good-bye. She stood like a statue while Pauline put on her hat.
“Good-night, madam,” said Caillaud, slightly bowing.
“Good-night, madam,” said Pauline, not bowing in the least.
“Good-night,” she replied, without relaxing her rigidity.
As soon as they were in the street Pauline said, “Father, I abhor that woman. If she lives she will kill her husband.”
Mrs. Coleman, on the other hand, at the same moment said, “Zachariah, Pauline and Caillaud cannot come to this house again.”
“Why not?”