Frank acceded to
the argument, and was ashamed of himself for acceding. Ellinor did not
accede, nor did her sisters, but it was necessary that they should yield.
Mrs. Greystock at once wrote to Lady Linlithgow, and Frank wrote by the
same post to Lucy Morris.
"As there must be a year's delay," he wrote, "we all here think it best
that your visit to us should be postponed for a while. But if you object
to the Linlithgow plan, say so at once. You shall be asked to do nothing
disagreeable." He found the letter very difficult to write. He knew that
she ought to have been welcomed at once to Bobsborough. And he knew, too,
the reason on which his mother's objection was founded. But it might be
two years before he could possibly marry Lucy Morris, or it might be
three. Would it be proper that she should be desired to make the deanery
her home for so long and so indefinite a time? And when an engagement was
for so long, could it be well that everybody should know it, as everybody
would if Lucy were to take up her residence permanently at the deanery?
Some consideration, certainly, was due to his father.
And, moreover, it was absolutely necessary that he and Lizzie Eustace
should understand each other as to that mutual pledge of truth which had
passed between them.
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