Conversely, Virginie's attitude towards Miss Vallincourt was one of frank hostility.

And deep in the hearts of both Diane and Virginie lurked a confirmed belief that the birth of a child--a son--would serve to bring about a better understanding between husband and wife, and in the end assure Diane her rightful place as mistress of the house.
"_Vois-tu_, Virginie," the latter would say hopefully.

"When I have a little baby, I shall have done my duty as the wife of a great English milord.

Even Miss Catherine will no longer regard me as of no importance." And Virginie would reply with infinite satisfaction: "Of a certainty, when madame has a little son, Ma'moiselle Catherine will be returned to her place." And now at last the great moment had arrived, and upstairs Catherine and Virginie were in attendance--both ousted from what each considered her own rightful place of authority by a slim, capable, and apparently quite unconcerned piece of femininity equipped against rebellion in all the starched panoply of a nurse's uniform, while downstairs Hugh stared dumbly out at the frosted lawns, with their background of bare, brown trees swaying to the wind from the north.
The door behind him opened suddenly.

Hugh whirled round.