But Mrs.Finn had never been cordially accepted by those among whom Lady Cantrip chiefly lived.

When therefore the name was announced, the servant expressly stating that the visitor had asked for Lady Mary, Lady Cantrip, who was with her guest, had to bethink herself what she would do.

The Duke, who was at this time very full of wrath against Mrs.Finn, had not mentioned this lady's name when delivering up the charge of his daughter to Lady Cantrip.

At this moment it occurred to her that not improbably Mrs.Finn would cease to be included in the intimacies of the Palliser family from the time of the death of the Duchess,--that the Duke would not care to maintain the old relations, and that he would be as little anxious to do it for his daughter as for himself.

If so, could it be right that Mrs.Finn should come down here, to a house which was now in the occupation of a lady with whom she was not on inviting terms, in order that she might thus force herself on the Duke's daughter?
Mrs.Finn had not left her carriage, but had sent in to ask if Lady Mary could see her.