His tone was almost apologetic.
"The Countess of Dredlinton," he announced.
The arrival of Josephine affected very differently the three men, to whom her coming was equally surprising.

Her husband, after an exclamation which savoured of profanity, stared at her with a doubtful and malicious frown upon his forehead.

With Wingate she exchanged one swift glance of mutual understanding.

Phipps, after his first start of surprise, welcomed her with the utmost respect and cordiality.
"My dear Lady Dredlinton," he declared, "this is charming of you! I had really given up hoping that you would ever honour us with your presence." "You can chuck all that, Phipps," Dredlinton interrupted curtly.

"My wife hasn't come here to bandy civilities.