and Arabella, the
last to wave, was the first to exclaim: "That must be a woman's arm!"

The carriage stopped at the gate, and it was one in the dress of a woman
at least, and of the compass of a big woman, who descended by the aid of
Mr. Pole. Safely alighted, she waved her pocket-handkerchief afresh. The
ladies of Brookfield did not speak to one another; nor did they move
their eyes from the object approaching. A simultaneous furtive extinction
of three pocket-handkerchiefs might have been noticed. There was no
further sign given.

CHAPTER XV

A letter from Brookfield apprised Wilfrid that Mr. Pole had brought Mrs.
Chump to the place as a visitor, and that she was now in the house.
Formal as a circular, the idea of it appeared to be that the bare fact
would tell him enough and inspire him with proper designs. No reply being
sent, a second letter arrived, formal too, but pointing out his duty to
succour his afflicted family, and furnishing a few tragic particulars.
Thus he learnt, that while Mr. Pole was advancing toward the three
grouped ladies, on the day of Mrs. Chump's arrival, he called Arabella by
name, and Arabella went forward alone, and was engaged in conversation by
Mrs. Chump. Mr. Pole left them to make his way to Adela and Cornelia.
"Now, mind, I expect you to keep to your agreement," he said. Gradually
they were led on to perceive that this simple-minded man had understood
their recent talk of Besworth to signify a consent to the stipulation he
had previously mentioned to Adela. "Perfect simplicity is as deceiving as
the depth of cunning," Adela despairingly wrote, much to Wilfrid's
amusement.

A third letter followed. It was of another tenor, and ran thus, in
Adela's handwriting:

"My Darling Wilfrid,

"We have always known that some peculiar assistance would never be
wanting in our extremity--aid, or comfort, or whatever you please to call
it. At all events, something to show we are not neglected. That old
notion of ours must be true. I shall say nothing of our sufferings in the
house. They continue. Yesterday, papa came from town, looking important.
He had up some of his best wine for dinner. All through the service his
eyes were sparkling on Cornelia. I spare you a family picture, while
there is this huge blot on it. Naughty brother! But, listen! your place
is here, for many reasons, as you will be quick enough to see. After
dinner, papa took Cornelia into the library alone, and they were