that day, driving himself in his own gig, so as to reach
Chaldicotes, some twenty-four miles distant, before dinner.

'No, I think not. What good should it do?'

'Well, I can't explain; but I think I should call; partly, perhaps,
to show her that, as I had determined to go, I was not afraid of
telling her so.'

'Afraid! That's nonsense, Fanny. I'm not afraid of her. But I
don't see why I should bring down upon myself the disagreeable
things she will say. Besides, I have not time. I must walk up and
see Jones about his duties; and then, what with getting ready, I
shall have enough to do to get off in time.'

He paid his visit to Mr Jones, the curate, feeling no qualms of
conscience there, as he rather boasted of all the members of
Parliament he was going to meet, and of the bishop who would be
with them. Mr Evan Jones was only his curate, and in speaking to
him on the matter he could talk as though it were quite the proper
thing for a vicar to meet his bishop at the house of a county
member. And one would be inclined to say it was proper: only why
could he not talk of it in the same tone to Lady Lufton? And then,
having kissed his wife and children, he drove off, well pleased
with his prospect for the coming ten days, but already anticipating
some discomfort on his return.

On the three following days, Mrs Robarts did not meet her
ladyship. She did not exactly take any steps to avoid such a
meeting, but she did not purposely go up to the big house. She