Page:Ethel Churchill 3.pdf/191

Rh The rustle of Henrietta's dress drew his attention; he looked up, and saw her standing, pale and motionless, on the threshold. "You are earlier than I expected, madam," exclaimed he, starting up, and leading, or rather dragging, her forward, "considering in what agreeable society I left you! I am sure my house is much honoured by your return; but you do not stay here long: I have a great mind to turn you into the streets to-night." Henrietta felt sinking, but she did not faint; the worst was come, and there was that in herself which seemed to rise to meet it. In a better cause, what fortitude, what endurance, would have belonged to her nature! even humiliated, self-convicted as she felt, her native pride could not quite desert her. Still, the blood curdled at her heart, the lip trembled; but it could not yet force itself to speak. "And so these pretty letters are addressed to my wife," continued Lord Marchmont; "a fine return for all my kindness! and to see, too, what you say of me! I always knew I was a great deal too good for you. But I'll