ith me," said her ladyship, "when
he learned what sort of person she is. I know I had only to
explain;"--and then she plumed her feathers, and was very gracious;
for to tell the truth, Lady Lufton did not like to be opposed in
things which concerned the parish nearly.

"And, Fanny," said Lady Lufton, in her kindest manner, "you are not
going anywhere on Saturday, are you?"

"No, I think not."

"Then you must come to us. Justinia is to be here, you know"--Lady
Meredith was named Justinia--"and you and Mr. Robarts had better stay
with us till Monday. He can have the little book-room all to himself
on Sunday. The Merediths go on Monday; and Justinia won't be happy
if you are not with her." It would be unjust to say that Lady Lufton
had determined not to invite the Robartses if she were not allowed
to have her own way about Sarah Thompson. But such would have been
the result. As it was, however, she was all kindness; and when Mrs.
Robarts made some little excuse, saying that she was afraid she must
return home in the evening, because of the children, Lady Lufton
declared that there was room enough at Framley Court for baby and
nurse, and so settled the matter in her own way, with a couple of
nods and three taps of her umbrella. This was on a Tuesday morning,
and on the same evening, before dinner, the vicar again seated
himself in the same chair before the drawing-room fire, as soon as he
had seen his horse led into the stable.

"Mark," said his wife, "the Merediths are to be at Framley on
Saturday and Sunday; and I have promised that we will go up and stay
over till Monday."

"You don't mean it! Goodness gracious, how provoking!"

"Why? I thought you wouldn't mind it. And Justinia would think it
unkind if I were not there."

"You can go, my dear, and of course will go. But as for me, it is
impossible."

"But why, love?"

"Why? Just now, at the school-house, I answered a letter that was
brought to me from Chaldicotes. Sowerby insists on my going over
there for a week or so; and I have said that I would."

"Go to Chaldicotes for a week, Mark?"

"I believe I have even consented to ten days."

"And be away two Sundays?"

"No, Fanny, only one. Don't be so censorious."

"Don't call me censorious, Mark; you know I am not so. But I am so
sorry. It is just what Lady Lufton won't like. Besides, you were away
in Scotland two Sundays last month."

"In September, Fanny. And that is being censorious."

"Oh, but, M