my dear, I think nothing
is wrong: I hope so, and I think I may say I'm sure of it; but then
it's always well to be on one's guard."

"Yes, it is," said Fanny, who knew that something unpleasant was
coming--something as to which she might probably be called upon to
differ from her ladyship. Mrs. Robarts's own fears, however, were
running entirely in the direction of her husband;--and, indeed,
Lady Lufton had a word or two to say on that subject also, only not
exactly now. A hunting parson was not at all to her taste; but that
matter might be allowed to remain in abeyance for a few days.

"Now, Fanny, you know that we have all liked your sister-in-law,
Lucy, very much." And then Mrs. Robarts's mind was immediately
opened, and she knew the rest as well as though it had all been
spoken. "I need hardly tell you that, for I am sure we have shown
it."

"You have, indeed, as you always do."

"And you must not think that I am going to complain," continued Lady
Lufton.

"I hope there is nothing to complain of," said Fanny, speaking by
no means in a defiant tone, but humbly as it were, and deprecating
her ladyship's wrath. Fanny had gained one signal victory over Lady
Lufton, and on that account, with a prudence equal to her generosity,
felt that she could afford to be submissive. It might, perhaps, not
be long before she would be equally anxious to conquer again.

"Well, no; I don't think there is," said Lady Lufton. "Nothing to
complain of; but a little chat between you and me may, perhaps, set
matters right, which, otherwise, might become troublesome."

"Is it about Lucy?"

"Yes, my dear--about Lucy. She is a very nice, good girl, and a
credit to her father--"

"And a great comfort to us," said Fanny.

"I am sure she is: she must be a very pleasant companion to you, and
so useful about the children; but--" And then Lady Lufton paused for
a moment; for she, eloquent and discreet as she always was, felt
herself rather at a loss for words to express her exact meaning.

"I don't know what I should do without her," said Fanny, speaking
with the object of assisting her ladyship in her embarrassment.

"But the truth is this: she and Lord Lufton are getting into the way
of being too much together--of talking to each other too exclusively.
I am sure you must have noticed it, Fanny. It is not that I suspect
any evil. I don't think that I am suspicious by nature."

"Oh! no," said Fanny.

"But they will each of them get