nary woman, of whose virtues the world talks so much,
and whose great and trusting spirit even sorrow and calamity cannot
prostrate. Yes, I will follow your advice; I will call upon her; for,
even setting aside all selfish considerations, I should wish to know her
for her own worth."

"Very well, then; I am going in to see your father to-morrow--had you
not better come with me? I shall leave you at her house, and can call
for you after my interview with him shall have been concluded. I shall
order a chaise from the hotel to be with us in the morning, so that you
may run little or no risk of being seen or known."

"That will be delightful," replied Lucy; "for I am sure Lady
Gourlay will be a kind and affectionate friend to me. In seeking
her acquaintance--may I hope, her friendship--I am not conscious
of violating any command or duty. Ever since I recollect, it was a
well-known fact, that the families, that is to say, my father and
uncle, never met, nor visited--mamma knew, of course, that to keep up
an intimacy, under such circumstances, would occasion much domestic
disquietude. This is all I know about it; but I never remember having
heard any injunction not to visit."

"No," replied Mrs. Mainwaring; "such an injunction would resemble that
of a man who should desire his child not to forget to rise next morning,
or, to be sure to breathe through his lungs. I can very well understand
why such a prohibition was never given in that case. Well, then, we
shall start pretty early in the morning, please God; but remember that
you must give me a full detail of your reception and interview."

The next day, about the hour of two o'clock, a chaise drew up at the
residence of Lady Gourlay, and on the hall-door being opened, a steady,
respectable-looking old footman made his appearance at the chaise door,
and, in reply to their inquiries, stated, "that her ladyship had been
out for some time, but was then expected every moment."

"What is to be done?" said Lucy, in some perplexity; "or how am I to
bestow myself if she does not return soon?"

"We expect her ladyship every moment, madam," replied the man; "and
if you will have the goodness to allow me to conduct you to the
drawing-room, you will not have to wait long--I may assure you of that."

"You had better go in, my dear," said Mrs. Mainwaring, "and I shall call
for you in about an hour, or, perhaps, a little better."

It was so arranged, and Lucy went in accordingly.