She did not seem pleased or
sorry when her husband came in; and presently, dropping me a little
curtsey, went to bed under charge of the Campaigner. So Bayham and I and
Clive retired to the studio, where smoking was allowed, and where we
brought that Christmas day to an end.
At the appointed time on the next forenoon I called upon Miss Newcome at
her brother's house. Sir Barnes Newcome was quitting his own door as I
entered it, and he eyed me with such a severe countenance, as made me
augur but ill of the business upon which I came. The expression of
Ethel's face was scarcely more cheering: she was standing at the window,
sternly looking at Sir Barnes, who yet lingered at his own threshold,
having some altercation with his cab-boy ere he mounted his vehicle to
drive into the City.
Miss Newcome was very pale when she advanced and gave me her hand. I
looked with some alarm into her face, and inquired what news?
"It is as you expected, Mr. Pendennis," she said--"not as I did.
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