he whole, might it not be
better for her--better for them all--that she should think wholly
of her duty, and not of the disagreeable results to which that duty
might possibly lead? It could not be her duty to accede to such an
alliance? and therefore she would do her best to prevent it. Such, at
least, should be her attempt in the first instance.

Having so decided, she next resolved on her course of action.
Immediately on her arrival at Framley, she would send for Lucy
Robarts, and use all her eloquence--and perhaps also a little of that
stern dignity for which she was so remarkable--in explaining to that
young lady how very wicked it was on her part to think of forcing
herself into such a family as that of the Luftons. She would explain
to Lucy that no happiness could come of it, that people placed by
misfortune above their sphere are always miserable; and, in short,
make use of all those excellent moral lessons which are so customary
on such occasions. The morality might perhaps be thrown away; but
Lady Lufton depended much on her dignified sternness. And then,
having so resolved, she prepared for her journey home. Very little
had been said at Framley parsonage about Lord Lufton's offer after
the departure of that gentleman; very little, at least, in Lucy's
presence. That the parson and his wife should talk about it between
themselves was a matter of course; but very few words were spoken on
the matter either by or to Lucy. She was left to her own thoughts,
and possibly to her own hopes. And then other matters came up at
Framley which turned the current of interest into other tracks. In
the first place there was the visit made by Mr. Sowerby to the Dragon
of Wantly, and the consequent revelation made by Mark Robarts to his
wife. And while that latter subject was yet new, before Fanny and
Lucy had as yet made up their minds as to all the little economies
which might be practised in the household without serious detriment
to the master's comfort, news reached them that Mrs. Crawley of
Hogglestock had been stricken with fever. Nothing of the kind could
well be more dreadful than this. To those who knew the family it
seemed impossible that their most ordinary wants could be supplied
if that courageous head were even for a day laid low; and then the
poverty of poor Mr. Crawley was such that the sad necessities of a
sick bed could hardly be supplied without assistance. "I will go over
at once," said Fanny.

"My dear!" s