Such, at
least, should be her attempt in the first instance.
Having so decided, she next resolved on her course of action.
Immediately on her arrival at Framley, she would send for Lucy
Robarts, and use all her eloquence--and perhaps also a little of that
stern dignity for which she was so remarkable--in explaining to that
young lady how very wicked it was on her part to think of forcing
herself into such a family as that of the Luftons. She would explain
to Lucy that no happiness could come of it, that people placed by
misfortune above their sphere are always miserable; and, in short,
make use of all those excellent moral lessons which are so customary
on such occasions. The morality might perhaps be thrown away; but
Lady Lufton depended much on her dignified sternness. And then,
having so resolved, she prepared for her journey home. Very little
had been said at Framley parsonage about Lord Lufton's offer after
the departure of that gentleman; very little, at least, in Lucy's
presence. That the parson and his wife should talk about it between
themselves was a matter of course; but very few words were spoken on
the matter either by or to Lucy. She was left to her own thoughts,
and possibly to her own hopes. And then other matters came up at
Framley which turned the current of interest into other tracks.
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