The Under-Secretary of State for India was as dark as a
November day when he reached his mother's house, and there fell upon every
one the unintermittent cold drizzling shower of his displeasure from the
moment in which he entered the house. There was never much reticence among
the ladies at Richmond in Lucy's presence, and since the completion of
Lizzie's unfortunate visit to Fawn Court they had not hesitated to express
open opinions adverse to the prospects of the proposed bride. Lucy herself
could say but little in defence of her old friend, who had lost all claim
upon that friendship since the offer of the bribe had been made, so that
it was understood among them all that Lizzie was to be regarded as a black
sheep; but hitherto Lord Fawn himself had concealed his feelings before
Lucy. Now unfortunately he spoke out, and in speaking was especially
bitter against Frank. "Mr. Greystock has been most insolent," he said as
they were all sitting together in the library after dinner. Lady Fawn made
a sign to him and shook her head. Lucy felt the hot blood fly into both
her cheeks, but at the moment she did not speak. Lydia Fawn put out her
hand beneath the table and took hold of Lucy's.
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