Mary rose directly the dessert had been handed round, and marched out of the room: like a warrior going to a battle in which the chances of defeat were strong.

Fraeulein Mueller shuffled after her.
'Will you be kind enough to go to her ladyship's room at once, Lady Mary,' she said.

'She wants to speak to you.' 'And I want to speak to her,' said Mary.
She ran quickly upstairs and arrived in the morning room, a little out of breath.

The room was lighted by one low moderator lamp, under a dark red velvet shade, and there was the glow of the wood fire, which gave a more cheerful light than the lamp.

Lady Maulevrier was lying on her couch in a loose brocade tea-gown, with old Brussels collar and ruffles.
She was as well dressed in her day of affliction and helplessness as she had been in her day of strength; for she knew the value of surroundings, and that her stateliness and power were in some manner dependent on details of this kind.