On being informed, half an hour since, that her departure would be delayed till two in the afternoon, she had flown into a violent passion.

My lady, present at the time, had severely rebuked her, and then (having apparently something to say, which was reserved for her daughter's private ear) had sent Penelope out of the room.

My girl was in wretchedly low spirits about the changed state of things in the house.

"Nothing goes right, father; nothing is like what it used to be.

I feel as if some dreadful misfortune was hanging over us all." That was my feeling too.