were seated.

"I do feel that it was provoking," said the second sister.

"And considering that Mr. Greystock has so often been here, I don't think
it was kind," said the third.

Lydia did not speak, but could not refrain from glancing her eyes at
Lucy's face. "I believe everything is considered fair in Parliament," said
Lady Fawn.

Then Lord Fawn, who had heard the last words, entered through the window.
"I don't know about that, mother," said he. "Gentlemanlike conduct is the
same everywhere. There are things that may be said and there are things
which may not. Mr. Greystock has altogether gone beyond the usual limits,
and I shall take care that he knows my opinion."

"You are not going to quarrel with the man?" asked the mother.

"I am not going to fight him, if you mean that; but I shall let him know
that I think that he has transgressed." This his lordship said with that
haughty superiority which a man may generally display with safety among
the women of his own family.

Lucy had borne a great deal, knowing well that it was better that she
should bear such injury in silence; but there was a point beyond which she
could not endure it. It was intolerable to her that Mr. Greystock's
character as a gentleman should be impugned before all the ladies of the
family, every one of whom did, in fact, know her liking for the man. And
then it seemed to her that she could rush into the battle, giving a side