“What, that fat fellow in the black coat? I don’t mind,” said Jock. “I think he is a duffer, he’s so fat; but I don’t mind. You don’t know what that means, Lucy.” “You should not say such naughty words; that is what you learned at school,” said Lucy, with disapproval. “I don’t think you learned anything else there.” “Duffer is not a naughty word: it means just nothing; but I don’t mind him at all,” said Jock, with indulgence. He was quite willing to undergo the experiment. “I should like to have another try,” he said. When they got to the house it was as dark as an August evening ever is, and Mrs. Ford, with a candle in her hand, was beginning to fasten up the windows and doors. She had again put on her stern aspect, and looked very severe and solemn, as she followed them upstairs. “It is a great deal too late for that child,” she said. “He ought to have been in bed an hour ago. So you have had visitors, Lucy? I think they might have been so civil as to ask for me. After all, though the house may be kept for your convenience, it’s me that am the mistress of it. And I expect civility, if there’s nothing more to be looked for. I do expect that.” “I am very sorry, Aunt Ford.” “You must be something more than sorry. You must let them see you won’t stand it. As for that Mrs. Rushton, I think she is insufferable. She wants to keep you in her set. And Raymond, what does he want here the first evening? _You_ never knew Ray Rushton; whatever they may say, don’t you put any faith in them, Lucy. She’s a designing woman; and I mistrust her, bringing her son the first day.” “You tell me to put no faith in Mrs. Rushton, and she tells me to beware of Mrs. Stone, and they both shake their heads about Lady Randolph,” said Lucy, with a smile that was not happy. “If I am to do what you all tell me, don’t you think, Aunt Ford, I shall be very lonely? for these are all the friends I have.” “My pet,” said Mrs. Ford, “don’t you be afraid; you’ll get friends in plenty; friends always turn up for a girl who is--a good girl,” she added, after a momentary pause. Perhaps she had not intended originally to conclude her sentence in this simple and highly moral way. CHAPTER XXXI. CHANGED.