signified to the dowager that all objections to Sarah Thompson
would be withdrawn.

'Ah! I was sure he would agree with me,' said her ladyship, 'when
he learned what sort of person she is. I know I had only to
explain;'--and then she plumed her feathers, and was very gracious;
for to tell the truth, Lady Lufton did not like to be opposed in
things which concerned the parish nearly.

'And, Fanny,' said Lady Lufton, in her kindest manner, 'you are not
going anywhere on Saturday, are you?'

'No, I think not.'

'Then you must come to us. Justinia is to be here, you know,' Lady
Meredith was named Justinia--'and you and Mr Robarts had better
stay with us till Monday. He can have the little book-room all to
himself on Sunday. The Merediths go on Monday; and Justinia
won't be happy if you are not with her.' It would be unjust to say
that Lady Lufton had determined not to invite the Robartses if she
were not allowed to have her own way about Sarah Thompson. But
such would have been the result. As it was, however, she was all
kindness; and when Mrs Robarts made some little excuse, saying that
she was afraid she must return home in the evening, because of the
children, Lady Lufton declared that there was room enough at
Framley Court for baby and nurse, and so settled the matter in her
own way, with a couple of nods and three taps of her umbrella. This
was on a Tuesday morning, and on the same evening, before dinner,
the vicar again seated himself in the same chair before the
drawing-room fire, as soon as he had seen his horse led into the