s own affairs may be
private."

"Such an affair as that never is private," said Lord George. "The
women take care of that. You don't suppose they're going to run down
their game, and let nobody know it."

"If they take me for game--"

"Of course you're game. Every man's game. Only some men are such bad
game that they ain't worth following. Take it easy, Griff; you're
caught."

"No; I ain't."

"And enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that she's about the
handsomest girl out. As for me, I'd sooner have the widow. I beg your
pardon, Mr. Greystock." Frank merely bowed. "Simply, I mean, because
she rides about two stone lighter. It'll cost you something to mount
Lady Tewett."

"I don't mean that she shall hunt," said Sir Griffin. It will be
seen, therefore, that the baronet made no real attempt to deny his
engagement.

On the following day, which was a Sunday, Sir Griffin, having
ascertained that Miss Roanoke did not intend to go to church, stayed
at home also. Mr. Emilius had been engaged to preach at the nearest
episcopal place of worship, and the remainder of the party all
went to hear him. Lizzie was very particular about her Bible and
Prayer-book, and Miss Macnulty wore a brighter ribbon on her bonnet
than she had ever been known to carry before. Lucinda, when she had
heard of the arrangement, had protested to her aunt that she would
not go down-stairs till they had all returned; but Mrs. Carbuncle,
fearing the anger of Sir Griffin, doubting whether, in his anger,
he might not escape them altogether, said a word or two which
even Lucinda found to be rational. "As you have accepted him, you
shouldn't avoid him, my dear. That is only making things worse for
the future. And then it's cowardly, is it not?" No word that could
have been spoken was more likely to be efficacious. At any rate, she
would not be cowardly.

As soon then as the wheels of the carriage were no longer heard
grating upon the road, Lucinda, who had been very careful in her
dress,--so careful as to avoid all appearance of care,--with slow
majestic step descended to a drawing-room which they were accustomed
to use on mornings. It was probable that Sir Griffin was smoking
somewhere about the grounds, but it could not be her duty to go after
him out of doors. She would remain there, and, if he chose, he might
come to her. There could be no ground of complaint on his side if
she allowed herself to be found in one of the ordinary sitting-rooms
of t