ng in opposition to her husband's
wishes. So she hid the slip within her desk, and left the matter
open to consideration. The interview commenced with an affectionate
embrace, as was a matter of course. "Dear Fanny," and "Dear Lady
Lufton," was said between them with all the usual warmth. And then
the first inquiry was made about the children, and the second about
the school. For a minute or two Mrs. Robarts thought that, perhaps,
nothing was to be said about Lucy. If it pleased Lady Lufton to be
silent, she, at least, would not commence the subject. Then there
was a word or two spoken about Mrs. Podgens's baby, after which Lady
Lufton asked whether Fanny were alone. "Yes," said Mrs. Robarts.
"Mark has gone over to Barchester."

"I hope he will not be long before he lets me see him. Perhaps he can
call to-morrow. Would you both come and dine to-morrow?"

"Not to-morrow, I think, Lady Lufton; but Mark, I am sure, will go
over and call."

"And why not come to dinner? I hope there is to be no change among
us, eh, Fanny?" and Lady Lufton as she spoke looked into the other's
face in a manner which almost made Mrs. Robarts get up and throw
herself on her old friend's neck. Where was she to find a friend
who would give her such constant love as she had received from Lady
Lufton? And who was kinder, better, more honest than she?

"Change! no, I hope not, Lady Lufton;" and as she spoke the tears
stood in her eyes.

"Ah, but I shall think there is if you will not come to me as you
used to do. You always used to come and dine with me the day I came
home, as a matter of course." What could she say, poor woman, to
this?

"We were all in confusion yesterday about poor Mrs. Crawley, and the
dean dined here; he had been over at Hogglestock to see his friend."

"I have heard of her illness, and will go over and see what ought
to be done. Don't you go, do you hear, Fanny? You with your young
children! I should never forgive you if you did." And then Mrs.
Robarts explained how Lucy had gone there, had sent the four children
back to Framley, and was herself now staying at Hogglestock with the
object of nursing Mrs. Crawley. In telling the story she abstained
from praising Lucy with all the strong language which she would have
used had not Lucy's name and character been at the present moment of
peculiar import to Lady Lufton; but nevertheless she could not tell
it without dwelling much on Lucy's kindness. It would have been
ungene