Chapter 21

           "Hirefacoundeekefullwomanlyandplain,NocontrefetedtermeshadsheTosemenwise."—CHAUCER.

           ItwasinthatwayDorotheacametobesobbingassoonasshewassecurelyalone.Butshewaspresentlyrousedbyaknockatthedoor,whichmadeherhastilydryhereyesbeforesaying,"Comein."Tantripphadbroughtacard,andsaidthattherewasagentlemanwaitinginthelobby.ThecourierhadtoldhimthatonlyMrs.Casaubonwasathome,buthesaidhewasarelationofMr.Casaubon’s:wouldsheseehim?

           "Yes,"saidDorothea,withoutpause;"showhimintothesalon."HerchiefimpressionsaboutyoungLadislawwerethatwhenshehadseenhimatLowickshehadbeenmadeawareofMr.Casaubon’sgenerositytowardshim,andalsothatshehadbeeninterestedinhisownhesitationabouthiscareer.Shewasalivetoanythingthatgaveheranopportunityforactivesympathy,andatthismomentitseemedasifthevisithadcometoshakeheroutofherself-absorbeddiscontent—toremindherofherhusband’sgoodness,andmakeherfeelthatshehadnowtherighttobehishelpmateinallkinddeeds.Shewaitedaminuteortwo,butwhenshepassedintothenextroomtherewerejustsignsenoughthatshehadbeencryingtomakeheropenfacelookmoreyouthfulandappealingthanusual.ShemetLadislawwiththatexquisitesmileofgood-willwhichisunmixedwithvanity,andheldoutherhandtohim.