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Truly, I thought she would have been glad on't, knowing so well that she disliked the man for drawing in her poor husband into so many ruinous courses; but, contrary wise, she looked terrified when she heard it, and has worn a face of a marvellous thoughtful, gloomy cast ever since.—But here comes the coach up the lane. (Listening.) They will be here in a trice.

And Edmond not yet come down to receive them: how strange! I thought an arrow from the bow would not have been swifter than he to meet his father. Indeed I wondered much that he did not rouse himself to attend his mother this morning; but his remissness now is astonishing.—The carriage comes no nearer.

No; it is not them. It has turned into another lane; and Mr. Edmond will be down stairs before they come.

I hope so. Who would have thought such a brave, spirited boy would have been so deeply depressed with misfortune?

I have my own notions about that.