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Collins, Wilkie, 1824-1889

"The New Magdalen"


"When am I to have the honor of the lady's visit?" she inquired,
with ironical resignation.
"To-day," answered her nephew, with impenetrable patience.
"At what hour?"
Julian composedly consulted his watch. "She is ten minutes after
her time," he said, and put his watch back in his pocket again.
At the same moment the servant appeared, and advanced to Julian,
carrying a visiting card on his little silver tray.
"A lady to see you, sir."
Julian took the card, and, bowing, handed it to his aunt.
"Here she is, "he said, just as quietly as ever.
Lady Janet looked at the card, and tossed it indignantly back to
her nephew. "Miss Roseberry!" she exclaimed. "Printed--actually
printed on her card! Julian, even MY patience has its limits. I
refuse to see her!"
The servant was still waiting--not like a human being who took an
interest in the proceedings, but (as became a perfectly bred
footman) like an article of furniture artfully constructed to
come and go at the word of command. Julian gave the word of
command, addressing the admirably constructed automaton by the
name of "James."
"Where is the lady now?" he asked.
"In the breakfast-room, sir.


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