" He then wrote a note to Talboys, telling him there was
a guest at Font Abbey, a disagreeable woman, "who makes mischief
whenever she can. She would be sure to divine our intentions, and use
all her influence with Lucy to spite me. You had better stay away till
she is gone." He sent this off by a servant, then pondered again.
"She suspects something; then that is a sign she has her own designs
on Lucy. Hum! no. If she had, she would not have invited me to her
house. She invited me directly and cheerfully--!"
Mrs. Bazalgette walked and sat with an arm round Lucy's waist, and
told her seven times before dinner how happy she was at the prospect
of a quiet week with her. In the evening she yawned eleven times. Next
day she asked Lucy who was coming to dinner.
"Nobody, dear."
"Nobody at all?"
"I thought you would perhaps not care to have our tete-a-tete
interrupted yet."
"Oh, but I should like to explore the natives too."
"I will give uncle a hint, dear." The hint was given very delicately,
but the malicious senior had a perverse construction ready
immediately.
"So this is her mighty affection for you. Can't get through two days
without strangers."
"Uncle," said Lucy, imploringly, "she is so used to society, and she
has me all day; we ought to give her some little amusement at night."
"Well, I can't make up parties now; my friends are all in London. She
only wants something to flirt with. Send for David Dodd."
"What, for her to flirt with?"
"Yes; he is a handsome fellow; he will serve her turn.
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