"It will only be taking me away three days earlier." Upon hearing this Mr Palliser looked very serious.

What quarrel could Miss Vavasor have had with Lady Midlothian which should make it impossible for them to be visitors at the same house?
"It will do no such thing," said Lady Glencora.

"Do you mean to say that you are coward enough to run away from her ?" "I'm afraid, Miss Vavasor, that we can hardly bid her not come," said Mr Palliser.

In answer to this, Alice protested that she would not for worlds have been the means of keeping Lady Midlothian away from Matching.

"I should tell you, Mr Palliser, that I have never seen Lady Midlothian, though she is my far-away cousin.