right after a few years,--and it is
absolutely indispensable that Lucinda should do something. She has
accepted him, and she must go on with it."

"She seems to me to be very unhappy, Mrs. Carbuncle."

"That was always her way. She was never gay and cheery like other
girls. I have never known her once to be what you would call happy."

"She likes hunting."

"Yes,--because she can gallop away out of herself. I have done all I
can for her, and she must go on with the marriage now. As for going
back, it is out of the question. The truth is, we couldn't afford
it."

"Then you must keep him in a better humour."

"I am not so much afraid about him; but, dear Lady Eustace, we want
you to help us a little."

"How can I help you?"

"You can, certainly. Could you lend me two hundred and fifty pounds,
just for six weeks?" Lizzie's face fell and her eyes became very
serious in their aspect. Two hundred and fifty pounds! "You know you
would have ample security. You need not give Lucinda her present till
I've paid you, and that will be forty-five pounds."

"Thirty-five," said Lizzie with angry decision.

"I thought we agreed upon forty-five when we settled about the
servants' liveries;--and then you can let the man at the stables know
that I am to pay for the carriage and horses. You wouldn't be out of
the money hardly above a week or so, and it might be the salvation of
Lucinda just at present."

"Why don't you ask Lord George?"

"Ask Lord George! He hasn't got it. It's much more likely that he
should ask me. I don't know what's come to Lord George this last
month past. I did believe that you and he were to come together.
I think these two robberies have upset him altogether. But, dear
Lizzie;--you can let me have it, can't you?"

Lizzie did not at all like the idea of lending money, and by no means
appreciated the security now offered to her. It might be very well
for her to tell the man at the stables that Mrs. Carbuncle would pay
him her bill, but how would it be with her if Mrs. Carbuncle did not
pay the bill? And as for her present to Lucinda,--which was to have
been a present, and regarded by the future Lady Tewett as a voluntary
offering of good-will and affection,--she was altogether averse to
having it disposed of in this fashion. And yet she did not like to
make an enemy of Mrs. Carbuncle. "I never was so poor in my life
before,--not since I was married," said Lizzie.

"You can't be poor, dear Lady Eust