She did mean to go down to Portray. "I couldn't have you at
the castle," she said, smiling; "but even an Othello couldn't object to a
first cousin at a little cottage ever so many miles off." It wasn't for
him to suggest what objections might rise to the brain of a modern
Othello; but after some hesitation he said that he would be there. He had
promised the trip to a friend, and would like to keep his promise. But,
nevertheless, he almost thought that he ought to avoid Portray. He
intended to support his cousin as far as he might do so honestly; but he
was not quite minded to stand by her through good report and evil report.
He did not desire to be specially known as her champion, and yet he felt
that that position would be almost forced upon him. He foresaw danger, and
consequently he was doubting about his journey to Scotland.
"I hardly know whether I am or not," said Frank, and he almost felt that
he was blushing.
"I hope you are," said Lucy. "When a man has to work all day and nearly
all night, he should go where he may get fresh air."
"There's very good air without going to Scotland for it," said Lady Fawn,
who kept up an excellent house at Richmond, but who, with all her
daughters, could not afford autumn trips.
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