inst
him at Fawn Court had been removed by Lady Fawn herself, the Fawn
girls thought that as a lover he was very slack; but Lucy was not in
the least annoyed. Lucy knew that it was all right; for Frank, as he
took his last walk round the shrubbery with her during that visit,
had given her to understand that there was a little difference
between him and Lady Fawn in regard to Lizzie Eustace. "I am her only
relative in London," Frank had said.

"Lady Linlithgow," suggested Lucy.

"They have quarrelled, and the old woman is as bitter as gall. There
is no one else to stand up for her, and I must see that she isn't
ill-used. Women do hate each other so virulently, and Lady Fawn hates
her future daughter-in-law." Lucy did not in the least grudge her
lover's assistance to his cousin. There was nothing of jealousy
in her feeling. She thought that Lizzie was unworthy of Frank's
goodness, but on such an occasion as this she would not say so. She
told him nothing of the bribe that had been offered her, nor on that
subject had she said a word to any of the Fawns. She understood,
too, that as Frank had declared his purpose of supporting Lizzie,
it might be as well that he should see just at present as little of
Lady Fawn as possible. Not a word, however, had Lady Fawn said to
Lucy disparaging her lover for his conduct. It was quite understood
now at Fawn Court, by all the girls, and no doubt by the whole
establishment, that Lizzie Eustace was to be regarded as an enemy. It
was believed by them all that Lord Fawn had broken off the match--or,
at least, that he was resolved to break it; but various stratagems
were to be used, and terrible engines of war were to be brought up,
if necessary, to prevent an alliance which was now thought to be
disreputable. Mrs. Hittaway had been hard at work, and had found out
something very like truth in regard to the whole transaction with Mr.
Benjamin. Perhaps Mrs. Hittaway had found out more than was quite
true as to poor Lizzie's former sins; but what she did find out she
used with all her skill, communicating her facts to her mother, to
Mr. Camperdown, and to her brother. Her brother had almost quarrelled
with her, but still she continued to communicate her facts.

At this period Frank Greystock was certainly somewhat unreasonable in
regard to his cousin. At one time, as the reader will remember, he
had thought of asking her to be his wife;--because she was rich; but
even then he had not though