Carbuncle for a while to think that
she was less so than she had been on the previous evening. The unfortunate
woman remained with her niece for an hour and a half, imploring,
threatening, scolding, and weeping. When the maids came to the door, first
one maid and then another, they were refused entrance. It might still be
possible, Mrs. Carbuncle thought, that she would prevail. But nothing now
could shake Lucinda or induce her even to discuss the subject. She sat
there looking steadfastly at the book--hardly answering, never defending
herself, but protesting that nothing should induce her to leave the room
on that day.
"Do you want to destroy me?" Mrs. Carbuncle said at last.
"You have destroyed me," said Lucinda.
At half-past nine Lizzie Eustace came into the room, and Mrs. Carbuncle,
in her trouble, thought it better to take other counsel. Lizzie therefore
was admitted.
"Is anything wrong?" asked Lizzie.
"Everything is wrong," said the aunt. "She says that--she won't be
married."
"Oh, Lucinda!"
"Pray speak to her, Lady Eustace. You see it is getting so late, and she
ought to be nearly dressed now. Of course she must allow herself to be
dressed.
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