human
Why, Mr. Iglesias, to be sure, Mrs. Lovegrove answered, hardly restraining evidences of satisfaction. The news was lamentable, no doubt; but to have it miss fire in the recital of it would have made it ten times more lamentable still.
gpt
And the worst of it was, she continued, refreshed by the effect upon her hearer,
human
Ah! there you are wrong, Rhoda, the other lady put in with decision, while making a violent effort to recover her impassivity and superiority.
gpt
You and George may be surprised, but I am not. I always had my suspicions of Mr. Iglesias. I told you so more than once. At the time you and George were annoyed. Now you see I was right. I am seldom mistaken. Even Susan admits I am very observant. After his extraordinary behaviour to me I should not be surprised at anything which Mr. Iglesias might do. She paused, breathless but triumphant.
human
Have you seen him since all this came out, Rhoda?
gpt
Oh, no. He has called twice, but fortunately Georgie was out walking. He goes out walking a great deal now, does Georgie. The speaker heaved a voluminous sigh. Her satisfaction had been short-lived.
human
And I told the girl, if Mr. Iglesias asked for me, to say I was particularly engaged. He has written to Georgie. I know that--a long letter--but I have not been asked to read it.
gpt
After all these years of marriage, you know, Serena, it is a very cutting thing to have any concealment between me and Georgie. I should not mention it to you but that you were here when it commenced. I never supposed--no, never, never--there could be any coldness between him and me. When I have heard others speak of trouble with their husbands, I have always pitied the poor things from my heart, but held them mainly responsible. Now I think differently--
human
Miss Eliza Hart, mum.
gpt
Of course, I should feel justified in staying if Rhoda pressed me to do so,
human
Surely you are not leaving yet?
gpt
It would hurt me not to have you stay to tea, and Georgie would be sadly disappointed to think he had missed you.
human
I must show her that I stay not to see her, but solely on Georgie's account, she commented inwardly.
gpt
I have been very cold in manner. I think she must have observed that.