individually, but laying down his ideas as to what the life of a Christian should be, and especially what should be the life of a minister. "But, though I can see this, Miss Robarts," he said, "I am bound to say that no one has fallen off so frequently as myself. I have renounced the devil and all his works; but it is by word of mouth only—by word of mouth only. How shall a man crucify the old Adam that is within him unless he throw himself prostrate in the dust and acknowledge that all his strength is weaker than water?" To this, often as it might be repeated, she would listen patiently, comforting him by such words as her theology would supply; but then, when this was over, she would again resume her command, and enforce from him a close obedience to her domestic behests.
At the end of the month Lord Lufton came back to Framley Court. His arrival there was quite unexpected; though, as he pointed out, when his mother expressed some surprise, he had returned exactly at the time named by him before he started.
"I need not say, Ludovic, how glad I am to have you," said she, looking into his face and pressing his arm; "the more so, indeed, seeing that I hardly expected it."
He said nothing to his mother about Lucy the first evening, although there was some conversation respecting the Robarts family.
"I am afraid Mr. Robarts has embarrassed himself," said Lady Lufton, looking very seriously. "Rumors reach me which are most distressing. I have said nothing to any body as yet—not even to Fanny; but I can see in her face, and hear in the tones of her voice, that she is suffering some great sorrow."
"I know all about it," said Lord Lufton.
"You know all about it, Ludovic?"
"Yes; it is through that precious friend of mine, Mr. Sowerby, of Chaldicotes. He has accepted bills for Sowerby; indeed, he told me so."
"What business had he at Chaldicotes? What had he to do with such friends as that? I do not know how I am to forgive him."
"It was through me that he became acquainted with Sowerby. You must remember that, mother."
"I do not see that that is any excuse. Is he to consider that all your acquaintances must necessarily be his friends
