THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. You will want some time to arrange that
pretty hair of yours. [She also kisses the passive, speechless
Fanny. They go out hand in hand.]

BENNET. I will see, while I am here, that your lordship's room is in
order.

VERNON. Why, where's Robert, then?

BENNET. He has gone into town to do some shopping. We did not
expect your lordship much before nine. There may be one or two
things to see to. [He goes into his lordship's apartments, closing
the door behind him.]

FANNY. Vernon, where am I?

VERNON. At home, dear.

FANNY. Yes, but where?

VERNON. At Bantock Hall, Rutlandshire. [Fanny sits down on the
settee--drops down rather.] You're not angry with me? You know how
the world always talks in these cases. I wanted to be able to prove
to them all that you married me for myself. Not because I was Lord
Bantock. Can you forgive me?

FANNY [she still seems in a dream]. Yes--of course. You didn't--you
wouldn't--[She suddenly springs up.] Vernon, you do love me? [She
flings her arms round his neck.]