"We had better go in and have it over," she said, "and then we shall be comfortable for the evening." So the drawing-room door was opened, and there was Lady Lufton alone upon the sofa.
"Now, mamma," said the daughter, "you mustn't scold Fanny much about Mr.Robarts.He has gone to preach a charity sermon before the bishop, and, under those circumstances, perhaps, he could not refuse." This was a stretch on the part of Lady Meredith--put in with much good-nature, no doubt; but still a stretch; for no one had supposed that the bishop would remain at Chaldicotes for the Sunday.
"How do you do, Fanny ?" said Lady Lufton, getting up.

"I am not going to scold her; and I don't know how you can talk such nonsense, Justinia.

Of course, we are very sorry not to have Mr.Robarts; more especially as he was not here the last Sunday that Sir George was with us.

I do like to see Mr.Robarts in his own church, certainly; and I don't like any other clergyman there as well.

If Fanny takes that for scolding, why--" "Oh! no, Lady Lufton; and it's so kind of you to say so.