elicate a matter. She was, therefore,
not a little surprised at receiving, on the second morning after
her husband's departure, a letter from him desiring her immediate
presence in London. She was surprised; but her heart was filled
rather with hope than dismay, for she had full confidence in her
daughter's discretion. On the morning after the party, Lady Lufton
and Griselda had breakfasted together as usual, but each felt that
the manner of the other was altered. Lady Lufton thought that her
young friend was somewhat less attentive, and perhaps less meek in
her demeanour than usual; and Griselda felt that Lady Lufton was less
affectionate. Very little, however, was said between them, and Lady
Lufton expressed no surprise when Griselda begged to be left alone at
home, instead of accompanying her ladyship when the carriage came to
the door. Nobody called in Bruton Street that afternoon--no one, at
least, was let in--except the archdeacon. He came there late in the
day, and remained with his daughter till Lady Lufton returned. Then
he took his leave, with more abruptness than was usual with him, and
without saying anything special to account for the duration of his
visit. Neither did Griselda say anything special; and so the evening
wore away, each feeling in some unconscious manner that she was on
less intimate terms with the other than had previously been the case.

On the next day also Griselda would not go out, but at four o'clock
a servant brought a letter to her from Mount Street. Her mother had
arrived in London and wished to see her at once. Mrs. Grantly sent
her love to Lady Lufton, and would call at half-past five, or at
any later hour at which it might be convenient for Lady Lufton to
see her. Griselda was to stay and dine in Mount Street; so said the
letter. Lady Lufton declared that she would be very happy to see
Mrs. Grantly at the hour named; and then, armed with this message,
Griselda started for her mother's lodgings. "I'll send the carriage
for you," said Lady Lufton. "I suppose about ten will do."

"Thank you," said Griselda, "that will do very nicely;" and then she
went. Exactly at half-past five Mrs. Grantly was shown into Lady
Lufton's drawing-room. Her daughter did not come with her, and Lady
Lufton could see by the expression of her friend's face that business
was to be discussed. Indeed, it was necessary that she herself should
discuss business, for Mrs. Grantly must now be told that the family