No one was uncomfortably generous enough to offer to stay at home
with her; but Lucy suggested asking Genevieve to come and take care
of her.
'Nay,' said Sophy, 'it would be much better if she were to go in my
stead.'
Gilbert and Lucy both uttered an exclamation; and Sophy added, 'She
would have so much more enjoyment than I could! Oh, it would quite
make up for my missing it!'
'My dear,' said grandmamma, 'you don't know what you are talking of.
It would be taking such a liberty.'
'There need be no scruples on that score,' said Albinia; 'the Colonel
would only thank me if I brought him half Bayford.'
'Then,' cried Sophy, 'you think we may ask her? Oh, I should like to
run up myself;'--and a look of congratulation and gratitude passed
between her and her brother.
'No, indeed, you must not, let me go,' said Lucy, 'I'll just finish
this cup of tea--'
'My dear, my dear,' interposed Mrs. Meadows, 'pray consider. She is
a very good little girl in her way, but it is only giving her a taste
for things out of her station'
'Oh! don't say that, dear grandmamma,' interposed Albinia, 'one good
festival does carry one so much better through days of toil!'
'Ah, well! my dear, you will do as you think proper; but considering
who the poor child is, I should call it no kindness to bring her
forward in company.'
Something passed between the indignant Gilbert and Sophy about French
counts and marquises, but Lucy managed much better.
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