Providence had not supplied Hogglestock with a Lady Lufton, or with any substitute in the shape of lord or lady, squire or squiress.

The Hogglestock farmers, male and female, were a rude, rough set, not bordering in their social rank on the farmer gentle; and Lady Lufton, knowing this, and hearing something of these Crawleys from Mrs.Arabin the dean's wife, trimmed her lamps, so that they should shed a wider light, and pour forth some of their influence on that forlorn household.

And as regards Mrs.Crawley, Lady Lufton by no means found that her work and good-will were thrown away.

Mrs.Crawley accepted her kindness with thankfulness, and returned to some of the softnesses of life under her hand.

As for dining at Framley Court, that was out of the question.