As she intended to belong to Frank Tregear, she thought it expedient that he should have the best of her days as well as what might be supposed to be the worst; and she therefore resolved that it would be her duty to make her father understand that though she would certainly obey him, she would look to be treated humanely by him, and not to be made miserable for an indefinite term of years.
The first word spoken between them on the subject,--the first word after that discussion,--began with him and was caused by his feeling that her present life at Matching must be sad and lonely.

Lady Cantrip had again written that she would be delighted to take her;--but Lady Cantrip was in London and must be in London, at any rate when Parliament should again be sitting.

A London life would perhaps, at present, hardly suit Lady Mary.

Then a plan had been prepared which might be convenient.

The Duke had a house at Richmond, on the river, called The Horns.