Perhaps she might learn something by looking at the woman in her own
drawing-room. At any rate she would go. But Mrs. Hittaway's words had the
effect of inducing her to leave Augusta where she was. If there were
contamination, why should Augusta be contaminated? Poor Augusta! She had
looked forward to the delight of embracing her future sister-in-law; and
would not have enjoyed it the less, perhaps, because she had been told
that the lady was false, profligate, and a vixen. As, however, her
position was that of a girl, she was bound to be obedient, though over
thirty years old, and she obeyed.
Lizzie was of course at home, and Miss Macnulty was of course visiting the
Horticultural gardens or otherwise engaged. On such an occasion Lizzie
would certainly be alone. She had taken great pains with her dress,
studying not so much her own appearance as the character of her visitor.
She was very anxious, at any rate for the present, to win golden opinions
from Lady Fawn. She was dressed richly, but very simply. Everything about
her room betokened wealth; but she had put away the French novels, and had
placed a Bible on a little table, not quite hidden, behind her own seat.
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