But then,
as to that house at Barchester, the dignified prebendal mansion in
the close--might they not be allowed to leave it unoccupied for one
year longer--perhaps to let it? The world of course must know of
their misfortune; but if that misfortune was faced bravely, the world
would be less bitter in its condemnation. And then, above all things,
everything must be told to Lady Lufton.
"You may, at any rate, believe this, Fanny," said he, "that for no
consideration which can be offered to me will I ever put my name to
another bill." The kiss with which she thanked him for this was as
warm and generous as though he had brought to her that day news of
the brightest; and when he sat, as he did that evening, discussing it
all, not only with his wife, but with Lucy, he wondered how it was
that his troubles were now so light. Whether or no a man should have
his own private pleasures, I will not now say; but it never can be
worth his while to keep his sorrows private.
CHAPTER XXXIV
Lady Lufton Is Taken by Surprise
Lord Lufton, as he returned to town, found some difficulty in
resolving what step he would next take. Sometimes, for a minute or
two, he was half inclined to think--or rather to say to himself--that
Lucy was perhaps not worth the trouble which she threw in his way.
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