"Yes, she is," said Mrs. Robarts, having laid aside all her pleasant
animation, for the discussion which she dreaded was now at hand.
"A very determined young lady," continued Lady Lufton. "Of course, my
dear Fanny, you know all this about Ludovic and your sister-in-law?"
"Yes, she has told me about it."
"It is very unfortunate--very."
"I do not think Lucy has been to blame," said Mrs. Robarts; and as
she spoke the blood was already mounting to her cheeks.
"Do not be too anxious to defend her, my dear, before any one accuses
her. Whenever a person does that it looks as though their cause were
weak."
"But my cause is not weak as far as Lucy is concerned; I feel quite
sure that she has not been to blame."
"I know how obstinate you can be, Fanny, when you think it necessary
to dub yourself any one's champion. Don Quixote was not a better
knight-errant than you are. But is it not a pity to take up your
lance and shield before an enemy is within sight or hearing? But that
was ever the way with your Don Quixotes."
"Perhaps there may be an enemy in ambush." That was Mrs. Robarts's
thought to herself, but she did not dare to express it, so she
remained silent.
"My only hope is," continued Lady Lufton, "that when my back is
turned you fight as gallantly for me.
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