"Yes; he was here."
"Oh, Lucy."
"I did not bid him come, Lady Fawn."
"I am sure of that, my dear; but--but----" Then there was no more said on
that subject on that occasion.
During the whole of the dinner the conversation was kept up at the other
end of the table by Lizzie talking to Augusta across her lover. This was
done in such a manner as to seem to include Lord Fawn in every topic
discussed. Parliament, India, the Sawab, Ireland, the special privileges
of the House of Lords, the ease of a bachelor life, and the delight of
having at his elbow just such a rural retreat as Fawn Court--these were
the fruitful themes of Lizzie's eloquence. Augusta did her part at any
rate with patience; and as for Lizzie herself, she worked with that
superhuman energy which women can so often display in making conversation
under unfavourable circumstances. The circumstances were unfavourable, for
Lord Fawn himself would hardly open his mouth; but Lizzie persevered, and
the hour of dinner passed over without any show of ill-humour or of sullen
silence. When the hour was over, Lord Fawn left the room with the ladies,
and was soon closeted with his mother, while the girls strolled out upon
the lawn.
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