LADY ANNE, though disappointed at not seeing Lionel at dinner, was on the whole gratified to learn that he was in such good hands. Mr. Manford, who had been intimate with her husband, was universally esteemed for his character and talents — in every way a most desirable acquaintance for Lionel. Lady Clara, though one of those eccentric, dazzling persons of whom quiet, secluded women are in awe, was yet a lady to whom mothers would willingly trust a boy, though they might be reluctant to confide a girl. Her eccentricities could not injure, by example, our ruder sex; and her manners could scarcely fail to refine and polish. It was good for the heir of Wardour to make acquaintance with the notabilities in his own county; good for the future aspirant to public life to enlist the interest and favor of persons like William Manford.
So, dakruon gelasasa, with a smile and a tear Lady Anne made up, with her own maternal, anxious hands, a little packet of all that Lionel could need for a few days, and despatched it at once to Manford Park, with a courteous line of thanks to Lady Clara, and a note to Lionel, assuring him that she was happy he had so pleasant a reprieve from his books, and reminding him of the necessity of changing his dress for dinner.
This done, she sent for Mr. Cotton to drink tea with her, and discuss the new event in her son’s existence.
[Here the manuscript ends.]