She saw that he almost paused on recognising Eldon, that his brows contracted, that involuntarily he looked at _her_.
'You know Mr.Eldon,' Stella said, perhaps in not quite her ordinary voice, for the meeting could in no case be a very happy one.
'Oh yes,' replied Mutimer, scarcely looking at Hubert, and making an idle effort at a bow.
Hubert did not reseat himself.

He took leave of Stella cordially; to Adela he inclined himself at respectful distance.
Mrs.Westlake supplied conversation.

Adela, leaving her former chair, took a seat by her friend's side, but could not as yet trust her voice.
Presently her husband addressed her; it was for the first time; he had not even given his hand.
'Alice is very anxious that you should dine with her before you go home.
Do you think Mrs.Westlake could spare you this evening ?' And, on Stella's looking an inquiry, he added: 'My sister, Mrs.Rodman.I don't think you know her ?' Adela had no choice but to procure her hostess's assent to this arrangement.
'I'll call for you at seven o'clock,' Mutimer said.
Adela knew that he was commanding himself; his tone was not quite discourteous, but he had none of the genial satisfaction which he ordinarily showed in the company of refined people.

She attributed his displeasure to her neglect of Alice.

But it did not affect her as it had been wont to; she was disposed to resent it.
The time between his departure and seven o'clock she spent by herself, unoccupied, sitting as if tired.