His sister-in-
law reminded him that she had particularly requested him to
drive her over to Mowbray, and he had declined the honour as a
bore.
"Yes," said Mr Mountchesney, "but I thought Joan was going
with you, and that you would be shopping."
"It was a good thing our House was adjourned before these
disturbances in Lancashire," said Lord Bardolf to Lord de
Mowbray.
"The best thing we can all do is to be on our estates I
believe," said Lord de Mowbray.
"My neighbour Marney is in a great state of excitement," said
Lord Bardolf; "all his yeomanry out."
"But he is quiet at Marney?"
"In a way; but these fires puzzle us. Marney will not believe
that the condition of the labourer has anything to do with
them; and he certainly is a very acute man. But still I don't
know what to say to it. The poor-law is very unpopular in my
parish. Marney will have it, that the incendiaries are all
strangers hired by the anti-Corn-law League."
"Ah! here is Lady Joan," exclaimed Lady Bardolf, as the wife
of Mr Mountchesney entered the room; "My dearest Lady Joan!"
"Why Joan," said Mr Mountchesney, "Maud has been to Mowbray,
and heard the most delicious singing. Why did we not go?"
"I did mention it to you, Alfred.
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