The wife of Trafford embraced Sybil, and then embraced her
again. She seemed as happy as the children of the village,
that the joy of her roof, as of so many others, had returned
to them, though only for a few hours. Her husband she said
had just quitted the house; he was obliged to go to the
factory to receive a great and distinguished party who were
expected this morning, having written to him several days
before for permission to view the works. "We expect them to
lunch here afterwards," said Mrs Trafford, a very refined
woman, but unused to society, and who rather trembled at the
ceremony; "Oh! do stay with me, Sybil, to receive them."
This intimation so much alarmed Sybil that she rose as soon as
was practicable; and saying that she had some visits to make
in the village, she promised to return when Mrs Trafford was
less engaged.
An hour elapsed; there was a loud ring at the hall-door, the
great and distinguished party had arrived. Mrs Trafford
prepared for the interview, and tried to look very composed as
the doors opened, and her husband ushered in and presented to
her Lord and Lady de Mowbray, their daughters, Lady Firebrace,
Mr Jermyn, who still lingered at the castle, and Mr Alfred
Mountchesney and Lord Milford, who were mere passing guests,
on their way to Scotland, but reconnoitering the heiresses in
their course.
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