might be inexpedient that Lucy
should come at once to the deanery, as,--were she to do so,--she must
remain there till her marriage, let the time be ever so long. "It
might be two years," said the mother. "Hardly so long as that," said
the son. "I don't think it would be--quite fair--to papa," said the
mother. It was well that the argument was used behind the dean's
back, as, had it been made in his hearing, the dean would have upset
it at once. The dean was so short-sighted and imprudent, that he
would have professed delight at the idea of having Lucy Morris as
a resident at the deanery. Frank acceded to the argument,--and was
ashamed of himself for acceding. Ellinor did not accede, nor did her
sisters, but it was necessary that they should yield. Mrs. Greystock
at once wrote to Lady Linlithgow, and Frank wrote by the same post
to Lucy Morris. "As there must be a year's delay," he wrote, "we all
here think it best that your visit to us should be postponed for a
while. But if you object to the Linlithgow plan, say so at once. You
shall be asked to do nothing disagreeable." He found the letter very
difficult to write. He knew that she ought to have been welcomed
at once to Bobsborough. And he knew, too, the reason on which his
mother's objection was founded. But it might be two years before he
could possibly marry Lucy Morris;--or it might be three. Would it be
proper that she should be desired to make the deanery her home for
so long and so indefinite a time? And when an engagement was for so
long, could it be well that everybody should know it,--as everybody
would if Lucy were to take up her residence permanently at the
deanery? Some consideration, certainly, was due to his father.

And, moreover, it was absolutely necessary that he and Lizzie Eustace
should understand each other as to that mutual pledge of truth which
had passed between them.

In the meantime he received the following letter from Messrs.
Camperdown:--

62, New Square, Lincoln's Inn,
15 September, 18--

DEAR SIR,

After what passed in our chambers the other day, we think
it best to let you know that we have been instructed by
the executor of the late Sir Florian Eustace to file a
bill in Chancery against the widow, Lady Eustace, for
the recovery of valuable diamonds. You will oblige us
by making the necessary communication to her ladyship,
and will perhaps tell us the names of her ladyship's
solicitors.