Wilkie Collins

The Two Destinies Wilkie Collins

Book Excerpt: ... Mr. C walked into the room--and walked in, alone. Mr. Germaine suddenly varied his formal inquiry in receiving the new guest."Is your wife ill?" he asked. Mr. C was an elderly man; Mr. C had lived (judging by appearances) in the days when the old-fashioned laws of politeness were still in force. He discovered his two married brethren in their corner, unaccompanied by their wives; and he delivered his apology for his wife with the air of a man who felt unaffectedly ashamed of it: "Mrs. C is so sorry. She has got such a bad cold. She does so regret not being able to accompany me."At this third apology, Mr. Germaine's indignation forced its way outward into expression in words."Two bad colds and one bad headache," he said, with ironical politeness. "I don't know how your wives agree, gentlemen, when they are well. But when they are ill, their unanimity is wonderful!"The dinner was announced as that sharp saying passed his lips..