"
"Ah, you are never under a cloud, like poor Lucy."
"Am I not? But, Fanny, you do not see all the clouds. The sun does
not always shine for any of us, and the down-pouring rain and the
heavy wind scatter also my fairest flowers--as they have done hers,
poor girl. Dear Fanny, I hope it may be long before any cloud comes
across the brightness of your heaven. Of all the creatures I know you
are the one most fitted for quiet continued sunshine." And then Mrs.
Robarts did get up and embrace her friend, thus hiding the tears
which were running down her face. Continued sunshine indeed! A dark
spot had already gathered on her horizon, which was likely to fall in
a very waterspout of rain. What was to come of that terrible notice
which was now lying in the desk under Lady Lufton's very arm?
"But I am not come here to croak like an old raven," continued Lady
Lufton, when she had brought this embrace to an end. "It is probable
that we all may have our sorrows; but I am quite sure of this,--that
if we endeavour to do our duties honestly, we shall all find our
consolation and all have our joys also. And now, my dear, let you
and I say a few words about this unfortunate affair. It would not be
natural if we were to hold our tongues to each other; would it?"
"I suppose not," said Mrs.
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