At the moment in which Lady Lufton walked up to the drawing-room
window, Mrs. Robarts held in her hand that ominous invitation from
the Judge. Would it not be well that she should make a clean breast
of it all, disregarding what her husband had said? It might be well:
only this--she had never done anything in opposition to her husband's
wishes. So she hid the slip within her desk, and left the matter
open to consideration. The interview commenced with an affectionate
embrace, as was a matter of course. "Dear Fanny," and "Dear Lady
Lufton," was said between them with all the usual warmth. And then
the first inquiry was made about the children, and the second about
the school. For a minute or two Mrs. Robarts thought that, perhaps,
nothing was to be said about Lucy. If it pleased Lady Lufton to be
silent, she, at least, would not commence the subject. Then there
was a word or two spoken about Mrs. Podgens's baby, after which Lady
Lufton asked whether Fanny were alone. "Yes," said Mrs. Robarts.
"Mark has gone over to Barchester."
"I hope he will not be long before he lets me see him. Perhaps he can
call to-morrow. Would you both come and dine to-morrow?"
"Not to-morrow, I think, Lady Lufton; but Mark, I am sure, will go
over and call.
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