on known to all the family, and the news certainly did take
away something from the importance which would otherwise have been
attached to Lizzie's departure. There was not the same awe of
the ceremony, the same dread of some scene, which, but for Frank
Greystock's letter, would have existed. Of course, Lord Fawn's future
matrimonial prospects were to them all an affair of more moment
than those of Lucy; but Lord Fawn himself had gone, and had already
quarrelled with the lady before he went. There was at present nothing
more to be done by them in regard to Lizzie, than just to get rid of
her. But Lucy's good fortune, so unexpected, and by her so frankly
owned as the very best fortune in the world that could have befallen
her, gave an excitement to them all. There could be no lessons that
morning for Nina, and the usual studies of the family were altogether
interrupted. Lady Fawn purred, and congratulated, and gave good
advice, and declared that any other home for Lucy before her marriage
would now be quite out of the question. "Of course it wouldn't do for
you to go even to Clara," said Lady Fawn,--who seemed to think that
there still might be some delay before Frank Greystock would be ready
for his wife. "You know, my dear, that he isn't rich;--not for a
member of Parliament. I suppose he makes a good income, but I have
always heard that he was a little backward when he began. Of course,
you know, nobody need be in a hurry." Then Lucy began to think that
if Frank should wish to postpone his marriage,--say for three or four
years,--she might even yet become a burthen on her friend. "But don't
you be frightened," continued Lady Fawn; "you shall never want a home
as long as I have one to give you. We shall soon find out what are
Mr. Greystock's ideas; and unless he is very unreasonable we'll make
things fit."

Then there came a message to Lucy from Lady Eustace. "If you please,
miss, Lady Eustace will be glad to see you for a minute up in her
room before she starts." So Lucy was torn away from the thoughts of
her own happiness, and taken up-stairs to Lady Eustace. "You have
heard that I am going?" said Lizzie.

"Yes;--I heard you were to go this morning."

"And you have heard why? I'm sure you will not deceive me, Lucy.
Where am I to look for truth, if not to an old, old friend like you?"

"Why should I deceive you, Lizzie?"

"Why, indeed? only that all people do. The world is so false, so
material, so worldly! One