had supposed that the bishop would remain at Chaldicotes for the
Sunday.

'How do you do, Fanny?' said Lady Lufton, getting up. 'I am not
going to scold her; and I don't know how you can talk nonsense,
Justinia. Of course we are very sorry not to have Mr Robarts; more
especially as he was not here the last Sunday that Sir George was
with us. I do like to see Mr Robarts in his own church, certainly;
and I don't like any other clergyman there as well. If Fanny takes
that for scolding, why--'

'Oh! no, Lady Lufton; and it's so kind of you to say so. But Mr
Robarts was so sorry that he had accepted this invitation to
Chaldicotes, before he heard that Sir George was coming, and--'

'Oh, I know that Chaldicotes has great attractions which we cannot
offer,' said Lady Lufton.

'Indeed, it was not that. But he was asked to preach, you, know;
and Mr Harold Smith--' Poor Fanny was only making it worse. Had
she been worldly wise, she would have accepted the little
compliment implied in Lady Lufton's first rebuke, and then have
held her peace.

'Oh, yes! The Harold Smiths! They are irresistible, I know. How
could any man refuse to join a party, graced both by Mrs Harold
Smith and Mrs Proudie--even though his duty should require him to
stay away?'

'Now, mamma--'