To tell the truth, Lady Lufton was becoming somewhat indifferent to Lucy Robarts.

She had been very kind to the little girl; but the little girl seemed hardly to appreciate the kindness as she should do--and then Lord Lufton would talk to Lucy, "which was so unnecessary, you know;" and Lucy had got into a way of talking quite freely with Lord Lufton, having completely dropped that short, spasmodic, ugly exclamation of "my lord." And so the Christmas festivities were at an end, and January wore itself away.

During the greater part of this month Lord Lufton did not remain at Framley, but was nevertheless in the county, hunting with the hounds of both divisions, and staying at various houses.

Two or three nights he spent at Chaldicotes; and one--let it only be told in an under voice--at Gatherum Castle! Of this he said nothing to Lady Lufton.

"Why make her unhappy ?" as he said to Mark.