Your
official duties of course must not be interfered with. They
will take the hint. I have no doubt you will get through the
business very well, Mr Hoaxem, particularly if you be 'frank
and explicit;' that is the right line to take when you wish to
conceal your own mind and to confuse the minds of others.
Good morning!"
Book 6 Chapter 2
Two days after this conversation in Downing Street, a special
messenger arrived at Marney Abbey from the Lord Lieutenant of
the county, the Duke of Fitz-Aquitaine. Immediately after
reading the despatch of which he was the bearer, there was a
great bustle in the house; Lady Marney was sent for to her
husband's library and there enjoined immediately to write
various letters which were to prevent certain expected
visitors from arriving; Captain Grouse was in and out the same
library every five minutes, receiving orders and counter
orders, and finally mounting his horse was flying about the
neighbourhood with messages and commands. All this stir
signified that the Marney regiment of Yeomanry were to be
called out directly.
Lord Marney who had succeeded in obtaining a place in the
Household and was consequently devoted to the institutions of
the country, was full of determination to uphold them; but at
the same time with characteristic prudence was equally
resolved that the property principally protected should be his
own, and that the order of his own district should chiefly
engage his solicitude.
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