"You had better see her," said Frank.
"I can't see her," said Lizzie. "Good gracious, my dear, what has she come
for?"
"She says it's very important," said Miss Macnulty.
"Of course you must see her," said Frank. "Let me get out of the house,
and then tell the servant to show her up at once. Don't be weak now,
Lizzie, and I'll come and find out all about it to-morrow."
"Mind you do," said Lizzie. Then Frank took his departure, and Lizzie did
as she was bidden. "You remain in here, Julia," she said, "so as to be
near if I want you. She shall come into the front room." Then, absolutely
shaking with fear of the approaching evil, she took her seat in the
largest drawing-room. There was still a little delay. Time was given to
Frank Greystock to get away, and to do so without meeting Lady Linlithgow
in the passage. The message was conveyed by Miss Macnulty to the servant,
and the same servant opened the front door for Frank before he delivered
it. Lady Linlithgow, too, though very strong, was old. She was slow, or
perhaps it might more properly be said she was stately in her movements.
She was one of those old women who are undoubtedly old women--who in the
remembrance of younger people seem always to have been old women--but on
whom old age appears to have no debilitating effects.
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