She had married with her fingers holding the scales of advantage; and Lord Haldwell dressed well, was immensely rich, and the title had a charm.
When Mrs.Francis Armour met her with her strange, impressive dignity, she was the slightest bit confused, but not outwardly.

She had not expected it.

At first Lali did not know who her visitor was.

She had not caught the name distinctly from the servant.
Presently Lady Haldwell said, as Lali gave her hand "I am Lady Haldwell.
As Miss Sherwood I was an old friend of your husband." A scornful glitter came into Mrs.Armour's eyes--a peculiar touch of burnished gold, an effect of the light at a certain angle of the lens.
It gave for the instant an uncanny look to the face, almost something malicious.

She guessed why this woman had come.