had been said. Lord Fawn had undertaken to send a message to Mount street,
informing the lady of the honour intended for her. And in truth Lady Fawn
was somewhat curious now to see the household of the woman who might
perhaps do her the irreparable injury of ruining the happiness of her only
son. Perhaps she might learn something by looking at the woman in her own
drawing-room. At any rate she would go. But Mrs. Hittaway's words had the
effect of inducing her to leave Augusta where she was. If there were
contamination, why should Augusta be contaminated? Poor Augusta! She had
looked forward to the delight of embracing her future sister-in-law; and
would not have enjoyed it the less, perhaps, because she had been told
that the lady was false, profligate, and a vixen. As, however, her
position was that of a girl, she was bound to be obedient, though over
thirty years old, and she obeyed.

Lizzie was of course at home, and Miss Macnulty was of course visiting the
Horticultural gardens or otherwise engaged. On such an occasion Lizzie
would certainly be alone. She had taken great pains with her dress,
studying not so much her own appearance as the character of her visitor.
She was very anxious, at any rate for the present, to win golden opinions
from Lady Fawn. She was dressed richly, but very simply. Everything about
her room betokened wealth; but she had put away the French novels, and had
placed a Bible on a little table, not quite hidden, behind her own seat.
The long lustrous lock was tucked up, but the diamonds were still upon her
fingers. She fully intended to make a conquest of her future mother-in-law
and sister-in-law; for the note which had come up to her from the India
Office had told her that Augusta would accompany Lady Fawn. "Augusta is my
favourite sister," said the enamoured lover, "and I hope that you two will
always be friends." Lizzie, when she had read this, had declared to
herself that of all the female oafs she had ever seen, Augusta Fawn was
the greatest oaf. When she found that Lady Fawn was alone, she did not