"Take your own time, and think well before you make your decision." But Carry's ear and attention were given to the sound of voices in the hall.

At the same moment, the door was thrown open, and a servant announced, "Mrs.Tretherick and Mr.Robinson." The afternoon train had just shrieked out its usual indignant protest at stopping at Genoa at all as Mr.Jack Prince entered the outskirts of the town, and drove toward his hotel.

He was wearied and cynical.

A drive of a dozen miles through unpicturesque outlying villages, past small economic farmhouses, and hideous villas that violated his fastidious taste, had, I fear, left that gentleman in a captious state of mind.
He would have even avoided his taciturn landlord as he drove up to the door; but that functionary waylaid him on the steps.

"There's a lady in the sittin'-room, waitin' for ye." Mr.Prince hurried upstairs, and entered the room as Mrs.Starbottle flew toward him.
She had changed sadly in the last ten years.