"I am so much obliged to you, Lady Lufton."
"But look here, my dear; believe me, he's better off without such friends."
"Oh, I know he is—much better off."
"Well, I'm glad you admit that, for I thought you seemed to be in favor of the duke."
"Oh no, Lady Lufton."
"That's right, then. And now, if you'll take my advice, you'll use your influence as a good, dear, sweet wife as you are, to prevent his going there any more. I'm an old woman, and he is a young man, and it's very natural that he should think me behind the times. I'm not angry at that. But he'll find that it's better for him—better for him in every way, to stick to his old friends. It will be better for his peace of mind, better for his character as a clergyman, better for his pocket, better for his children and for you, and better for his eternal welfare. The duke is not such a companion as he should seek; nor, if he is sought, should he allow himself to be led away."
And then Lady Lufton ceased, and Fanny Robarts, kneeling at her feet, sobbed, with her face hidden on her friend's knees. She had not a word now to say as to her husband's capability of judging for himself.
"And now I must be going again; but Justinia has made me promise—promise, mind you, most solemnly, that I would have you back to dinner to-night—by force if necessary. It was the only way I could make my peace with her; so you must not leave me in the lurch." Of course, Fanny said that she would go and dine at Framley Court.
"And you must not send that letter, by any means," said her ladyship, as she was leaving the room, poking with her umbrella at the epistle which lay directed on Mrs. Robarts's desk. "I can understand very well what it contains. You must alter it altogether, my dear." And then Lady Lufton went.
Mrs. Robarts instantly rushed to her desk and tore open her letter. She looked at her watch, and it was past four. She had hardly begun another when the postman came. "Oh, Mary," she said, "do make him wait. If he'll wait a quarter of an hour I'll give him a shilling."
"There's no need of that, ma'am. Let him have a glass of beer."
