It bore the common English name, 'Mrs.James'! He at once inquired about the lady.
She had arrived early that morning, and she was then in the Reading Room.

Looking into the room, he discovered a lady in it alone.
Advancing a little nearer, he found himself face to face with the Countess.
She was seated in a dark corner, with her head down and her arms crossed over her bosom.

'Yes,' she said, in a tone of weary impatience, before Francis could speak to her.

'I thought it best not to wait for you--I determined to get here before anybody else could take the room.' 'Have you taken it for long ?' Francis asked.
'You told me Miss Lockwood would be here in a week's time.

I have taken it for a week.' 'What has Miss Lockwood to do with it ?' 'She has everything to do with it--she must sleep in the room.