It must be owned that Lizzie was afraid of the woman. It was almost
impossible for her not to be afraid of the people with whom she lived.
There were so many things against her; so many sources of fear! "I am
quite sure you won't refuse me such a trifling favour as this," said Mrs.
Carbuncle, with the glow of anger reddening more and more upon her brow.
"I don't think I have so much at the bankers," said Lizzie.
"They'll let you overdraw just as much as you please. If the check comes
back that will be my look out." Lizzie had tried that game before, and
knew that the bankers would allow her to overdraw. "Come, be a good friend
and do it at once," said Mrs. Carbuncle.
"Perhaps I can manage a hundred and fifty," said Lizzie, trembling. Mrs.
Carbuncle fought hard for the greater sum; but at last consented to take
the less, and the check was written.
"This, of course, won't interfere with Lucinda's present," said Mrs.
Carbuncle, "as we can make all this right by the horse and carriage
account." To this proposition, however, Lady Eustace made no answer.
Soon after lunch, at which meal Miss Roanoke did not show herself, Lady
Glencora Palliser was announced, and sat for about ten minutes in the
drawing-room.
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