She had known from the first that Mrs.Trevelyan would have much to say for herself, and the feeling that it would be so became stronger than ever as she entered the room.

The ordinary feelings between the two ladies were cold and constrained, and then there was silence for a few moments when the Countess had taken her seat.

Mrs.Trevelyan had quite determined that the enemy should fire the first shot.
"This is a very sad state of things," said the Countess.
"Yes, indeed, Lady Milborough." "The saddest in the world;--and so unnecessary;--is it not ?" "Very unnecessary, indeed, as I think." "Yes, my dear, yes.

But, of course, we must remember--" Then Lady Milborough could not clearly bring to her mind what it was that she had to remember.
"The fact is, my dear, that all this kind of thing is too monstrous to be thought of.

Goodness, gracious, me; two young people like you and Louis, who thoroughly love each other, and who have got a baby, to think of being separated! Of course it is out of the question." "You cannot suppose, Lady Milborough, that I want to be separated from my husband ?" "Of course not.