So he went to his own solicitor
and begged that the thing might be done quite at once. He was very
definite in his instructions, and would listen to no doubts. Would
the lawyer write to Miss Trefoil on that very day;---or rather not
on that very day but the next. As he suggested this he thought it
well that Lady Augustus should have an opportunity of explaining
the transaction to her daughter before the lawyer's letter should
be received. He had, he said, his own reason for such haste.
Consequently the lawyer did prepare the letter to Miss Trefoil at
once, drafting it in his noble client's presence. In what way
should the money be disposed so as best to suit her convenience?
The letter was very short with an intimation that Lady Augustus
would no doubt have explained the details of the arrangement.
When Lady Augustus reached Marygold the family were at lunch, and
as strangers were present nothing was said as to the great mission.
The mother had already bethought herself how she must tell this and
that lie to the Connop Greens, explaining that Lord Rufford had
confessed his iniquity but had disclosed that, for certain
mysterious reasons, he could not marry Arabella,--though he loved
her better than all the world. Arabella asked some questions about
her mother's shopping and general business in town, and did not
leave the room till she could do so without the slightest
appearance of anxiety.
Pages:
608
609
610
611
612
613
614
615
616
617
618
619
620
621
622
623
624
625
626
627
628
629
630
631
632