Sir Hugh of course had learned his child's fate already from the servant who had met him; but it was well that the ceremony of such telling should be performed.

She felt the cold air come in from the opened front door, and she heard her husband's heavy, quick step as he entered.

Then she heard the murmur of Hannah's voice; but the first word she heard was in her husband's tones, "Where is Lady Clavering ?" Then the answer was given, and the wife, knowing that he was coming, retreated to her chair.
But still he did not come quite at once.

He was pulling off his coat and laying aside his hat and gloves.

Then came upon her a feeling that at such a time any other husband and wife would have been at once in each other's arms.