Only waiting to remind her husband and Sydney that they were wasting the beautiful summer morning indoors, Mrs.Linley followed her daughter--and innocently placed a fatal obstacle in Mrs.Presty's way by leaving the room.

Having consulted each other by a look, Linley and the governess went out next.

Left alone with Randal, Mrs.Presty's anger, under the complete overthrow of her carefully-laid scheme, set restraint at defiance.
"My daughter's married life is a wreck," she burst out, pointing theatrically to the door by which Linley and Sydney Westerfield had retired.

"And Catherine has the vile creature whom your brother picked up in London to thank for it! Now do you understand me ?" "Less than ever," Randal answered--"unless you have taken leave of your senses." Mrs.Presty recovered the command of her temper.
On that fine morning her daughter might remain in the garden until the luncheon-bell rang.

Linley had only to say that he wished to speak with his wife; and the private interview which he had so rudely insisted on as his sole privilege, would assuredly take place.