But Lady Carbury could not treat the girl after that fashion. She returned to the drawing-room, descending the stairs very slowly, and thinking what answer she would make. "Miss Melmotte," she said, "my son feels that everything has been so changed since he and you last met, that nothing can be gained by a renewal of your acquaintance."

Lady Carbury went very slowly back down to the drawing-room. "Miss Melmotte," she said, "my son feels that nothing can be gained by a renewal of your acquaintance."
