It was not to be pressed upon Lucy if Lucy disliked it.
Lady Linlithgow was to be made to understand that Lucy might leave
whenever she pleased. It was to be an invitation, which Lucy might accept
if she were so minded. Lucy's position as an honourable guest was to be
assured to her. It was thought better that Lady Linlithgow should not be
told of Lucy's engagement unless she asked questions, or unless Lucy
should choose to tell her. Every precaution was to be taken, and then
Frank gave his sanction. He could understand, he said, that it might be
inexpedient that Lucy should come at once to the deanery, as, were she to
do so, she must remain there till her marriage, let the time be ever so
long. "It might be two years," said the mother.
"Hardly so long as that," said the son.
"I don't think it would be--quite fair--to papa," said the mother. It was
well that the argument was used behind the dean's back, as, had it been
made in his hearing, the dean would have upset it at once. The dean was so
short-sighted and imprudent that he would have professed delight at the
idea of having Lucy Morris as a resident at the deanery.
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