old, vile as it
is, was the one thing that Frank so much needed. The mother thought
that she had discovered in her son something which seemed to indicate
a possibility that this very imprudent match might at last be
abandoned; and if there were such possibility, surely Lucy ought not
now to be brought to the deanery. Nevertheless, if Frank were to
insist upon her coming,--she must come.

But Mrs. Greystock had a plan. "Oh, mamma," said Ellinor, when the
plan was proposed to her, "do not you think that would be cruel?"

"Cruel, my dear! no; certainly not cruel."

"She is such a virago."

"You think that because Lizzie Eustace has said so. I don't know
that she's a virago at all. I believe her to be a very good sort of
woman."

"Do you remember, mamma, what the admiral used to say of her?"

"The admiral, my dear, tried to borrow her money, as he did
everybody's, and when she wouldn't give him any, then he said severe
things. The poor admiral was never to be trusted in such matters."

"I don't think Frank would like it," said Ellinor. The plan was this.
Lady Linlithgow, who, through her brother-in-law, the late Admiral
Greystock, was connected with the dean's family, had made known
her desire to have a new companion for six months. The lady was to
be treated like a lady, but was to have no salary. Her travelling
expenses were to be paid for her, and no duties were to be expected
from her, except that of talking and listening to the countess.

"I really think it's the very thing for her," said Mrs. Greystock.
"It's not like being a governess. She's not to have any salary."

"I don't know whether that makes it better, mamma."

"It would just be a visit to Lady Linlithgow. It is that which makes
the difference, my dear."

Ellinor felt sure that her brother would not hear of such an
engagement,--but he did hear of it, and, after various objections,
gave a sort of sanction to it. It was not to be pressed upon Lucy if
Lucy disliked it. Lady Linlithgow was to be made to understand that
Lucy might leave whenever she pleased. It was to be an invitation,
which Lucy might accept if she were so minded. Lucy's position as an
honourable guest was to be assured to her. It was thought better that
Lady Linlithgow should not be told of Lucy's engagement unless she
asked questions;--or unless Lucy should choose to tell her. Every
precaution was to be taken, and then Frank gave his sanction. He
could understand, he said, that it