By previous arrangement with Natalie, the Graybrookes (invited to
dinner) arrived early. Leaving her husband and her stepdaughters to
entertain Sir Joseph and Miss Lavinia, Lady Winwood took Natalie into
her own boudoir, which communicated by a curtained opening with the
drawing-room.
"My dear, you are looking positively haggard this evening. Has anything
happened?"
"I am nearly worn out, Louisa. The life I am leading is so unendurable
that, if Launce pressed me, I believe I should consent to run away with
him when we leave your house tonight."
"You will do nothing of the sort, if you please. Wait till you are
sixteen. I delight in novelty, but the novelty of appearing at the Old
Bailey is beyond my ambition. Is the brute coming to-night?"
"Of course. He insists on following me wherever I go. He lunched at
Muswell Hill today. More complaints of my incomprehensible coldness to
him. Another scolding from papa. A furious letter from Launce. If I
let Richard kiss my hand again in his presence, Launce warns me he will
knock him down.
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