against any possible disturbance to the lace trade; but winter would
soon come and her sale was uncertain; her best profit was so
dependent on Homestead agency that it was impolitic to offend Miss
Curtis; and, moreover, Lovedy was so excited by the idea of learning
to make pictures to books that she forgot all the lace dexterity she
had ever learnt, and spoilt more than she made, so that Mrs. Kelland
was reduced to accept the kind proposal that Lovedy should be Lady
Temple's nominee, and be maintained, by her at the F. U. E. E. at
seven shillings a week.

Fanny, however, asked the clergyman's consent first, telling him,
with her sweet, earnest smile, how sorry she was for the little girl,
and showing him the high testimonials to Mrs. Rawlins. He owned that
they were all that could be wished, and even said at her request that
he would talk to Mr. Mauleverer. What the talk amounted to they
never knew; but when Fanny said "she hoped he had found nothing
unsatisfactory, the poor man must be so glad to be of use;" Mr.
Touchett replied with, "Indeed, it is an unfortunate situation;" and
his opposition might therefore be considered as suspended.

"Of course," cried Bessie, "we know by what witchery!" But Alison
Williams, her listener, turned on her such great eyes of wilful want
of comprehension, that she held her peace.

Rachel and Grace united in sending Mary Morris, the other child; they
really could do nothing more, so heavily had their means been drawn
upon for the first expenses; but Rachel trusted to do more for the
future, and resolved that her dress should henceforth cost no more
than Alison Williams's; indeed, she went through a series of
assertions by way of examining Alison on the expenses of her