I have no doubt that Lady Lufton was right.
She got Fanny up into her own den one afternoon, and seated her discreetly in an easy arm-chair, making her guest take off her bonnet, and showing by various signs that the visit was regarded as one of great moment.

"Fanny," she said, "I want to speak to you about something that is important and necessary to mention, and yet it is a very delicate affair to speak of." Fanny opened her eyes, and said that she hoped that nothing was wrong.

"No, my dear, I think nothing is wrong: I hope so, and I think I may say I'm sure of it; but then it's always well to be on one's guard." "Yes, it is," said Fanny, who knew that something unpleasant was coming--something as to which she might probably be called upon to differ from her ladyship.

Mrs.Robarts's own fears, however, were running entirely in the direction of her husband;--and, indeed, Lady Lufton had a word or two to say on that subject also, only not exactly now.

A hunting parson was not at all to her taste; but that matter might be allowed to remain in abeyance for a few days.
"Now, Fanny, you know that we have all liked your sister-in-law, Lucy, very much." And then Mrs.Robarts's mind was immediately opened, and she knew the rest as well as though it had all been spoken.