, That was the condition
of his mind towards them, and in that condition he did not want to
take them to Lord Rufford's house. Their visit to him would be over
on Monday, and it would he thought be better for him that they
should then go on their way to the Gores as they had proposed.
But he did not like to answer the letter by a refusal without
saying a word to his guests on the subject. He would not object to
ignore the Senator, but he was afraid that if nothing were to be
said to Arabella she would hear of it hereafter and would complain
of such treatment. He therefore directed that the man might be kept
waiting while he consulted the lady of his choice. It was with
difficulty that he found himself alone with her,--and then only by
sending her maid in quest of her. He did get her at last into his
own sitting-room and then, having placed her in a chair near the
fire, gave her Lord Rufford's letter to read. "What can it be,"
said she looking up into his face with her great inexpressive eyes,
"that has required all this solemnity?" She still looked up at him
and did not even open the letter.
"I did not like to answer that without showing it to you. I don't
suppose you would care to go."
"Go where?"
"It is from Lord Rufford,--for Monday."
"From Lord Rufford!"
"It would break up all your plans and your mother's, and would
probably be a great bore.
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