ght to herself, but she did not dare to express it, so she
remained silent.

"My only hope is," continued Lady Lufton, "that when my back is
turned you fight as gallantly for me."

"Ah, you are never under a cloud, like poor Lucy."

"Am I not? But, Fanny, you do not see all the clouds. The sun does
not always shine for any of us, and the down-pouring rain and the
heavy wind scatter also my fairest flowers--as they have done hers,
poor girl. Dear Fanny, I hope it may be long before any cloud comes
across the brightness of your heaven. Of all the creatures I know you
are the one most fitted for quiet continued sunshine." And then Mrs.
Robarts did get up and embrace her friend, thus hiding the tears
which were running down her face. Continued sunshine indeed! A dark
spot had already gathered on her horizon, which was likely to fall in
a very waterspout of rain. What was to come of that terrible notice
which was now lying in the desk under Lady Lufton's very arm?

"But I am not come here to croak like an old raven," continued Lady
Lufton, when she had brought this embrace to an end. "It is probable
that we all may have our sorrows; but I am quite sure of this,--that
if we endeavour to do our duties honestly, we shall all find our
consolation and all have our joys also. And now, my dear, let you
and I say a few words about this unfortunate affair. It would not be
natural if we were to hold our tongues to each other; would it?"

"I suppose not," said Mrs. Robarts.

"We should always be conceiving worse than the truth--each as to the
other's thoughts. Now, some time ago, when I spoke to you about your
sister-in-law and Ludovic--I dare say you remember--"

"Oh, yes, I remember."

"We both thought then that there would really be no danger. To tell
you the plain truth I fancied, and indeed hoped, that his affections
were engaged elsewhere; but I was altogether wrong then; wrong in
thinking it, and wrong in hoping it." Mrs. Robarts knew well that
Lady Lufton was alluding to Griselda Grantly, but she conceived
that it would be discreet to say nothing herself on that subject
at present. She remembered, however, Lucy's flashing eye when the
possibility of Lord Lufton making such a marriage was spoken of in
the pony-carriage, and could not but feel glad that Lady Lufton had
been disappointed.

"I do not at all impute any blame to Miss Robarts for what has
occurred since," continued her ladyship. "I wish you distinctly to
u