"I don't think that Lucy has any idea in her head upon the subject," said Mrs.Robarts.
"I dare say not--I don't suppose she has.

But young ladies sometimes allow themselves to fall in love, and then to think themselves very ill-used, just because they have had no idea in their head." "I will put her on her guard if you wish it, Lady Lufton." "Exactly, my dear; that is just it.

Put her on her guard--that is all that is necessary.

She is a dear, good, clever girl, and it would be very sad if anything were to interrupt our comfortable way of getting on with her." Mrs.Robarts knew to a nicety the exact meaning of this threat.

If Lucy would persist in securing to herself so much of Lord Lufton's time and attention, her visits to Framley Court must become less frequent.