was mixed up with Lady Haughton's settlement her consent was necessary as
well as Sir James's. So there was much negotiation, and, since then,
Ashleigh Sumner has come into the Haughton property, on poor Sir James's
decease; so that complicated all affairs between Mr. Vigors and Lady
Haughton, and he has just been to Brighton to see her. And poor Lady
Haughton, in short, wants me and Lilian to go and visit her. I don't like
it at all. But you said the other day you thought sea air might be good
for Lilian during the heat of the summer, and she seems well enough
now for the change. What do you think?"

"She is well enough, certainly. But Brighton is not the place I would
recommend for the summer; it wants shade, and is much hotter than L----"

"Yes; but unluckily Lady Haughton foresaw that objection, and she has a
jointure-house some miles from Brighton, and near the sea. She says the
grounds are well wooded, and the place is proverbially cool and healthy,
not far from St. Leonard's Forest. And, in short, I have written to say
we will come. So we must, unless, indeed, you positively forbid it."

"When do you think of going?"

"Next Monday. Mr. Vigors would make me fix the day. If you knew how I
dislike moving when I am once settled; and I do so dread Lady Haughton,
she is so fine, and so satirical! But Mr. Vigors says she is very much
altered, poor thing! I should like to show you her letter, but I bad just
sent it to Margaret--Mrs. Poyntz--a minute or two before you came. She
knows something of Lady Haughton. Margaret knows everybody. And we shall
have to go in mourning for poor Sir James, I suppose; and Margaret will
choose it, for I am sure I can't guess to what extent we should be
supposed to mourn. I ought to have gone in mourning before--poor