"A man like Mr.
Masters is better without such a blackguard as that," the Lord had
said. Then Runciman had replied, "No doubt, my Lord; no doubt. But
Dillsborough is a poor place, and business is business, my Lord."
Then Lord Rufford had remembered it, and the letter which the
attorney was somewhat triumphantly reading had been the
consequence.
"Is that you, Mary? What can I do for you, my love?"
"Papa, I want you to read this." Then Mr. Masters read the letter.
"I should so like to go."
"Should you, my dear?"
"Oh yes! Lady Ushant has been so kind to me, all my life! And I do
so love her!"
"What does mamma say?"
"I haven't asked mamma."
"Is there any reason why you shouldn't go?"
Of that one reason,--as to Larry Twentyman,--of course she would
say nothing. She must leave him to discuss that with her mother. "I
should want some clothes, papa; a dress, and some boots, and a new
hat, and there would be money for the journey and a few other
things." The attorney winced, but at the same time remembered that
something was due to his eldest child in the way of garments and
relaxation. "I never like to be an expense, papa."
"You are very good about that, my dear. I don't see why you
shouldn't go. It's very kind of Lady Ushant. I'll talk to mamma."
Then Mary went away to get the breakfast, fearing that before long
there would be black looks in the house.
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