stable.

'Mark,' said his wife, 'the Merediths are to be at Framley on
Saturday and Sunday; and I have promised that we will go up and
stay over till Monday.'

'You don't mean it! Goodness gracious, how provoking!'

'Why? I thought you wouldn't mind it. And Justinia would think it
unkind if I were not there.'

'You can go, my dear, and of course will go. But as for me, it's
impossible.'

'But why, love?'

'Why? Just now, at the school-house, I answered a letter that was
brought to me from Chaldicotes. Sowerby insists on my going over
there for a week or so; and I have said that I would.'

'Go to Chaldicotes for a week, Mark?'

'I believe I have even consented to ten days.'

'And be away two Sundays?'

'No, Fanny, only one. Don't be so censorious.'

'Don't call me censorious, Mark; you know I am not so. But I am so
sorry. It is just what Lady Lufton won't like. Besides, you were