“I don’t think it will matter for me,” said Lucy; “I shall never be a great lady, I shall only be rich. No one will expect so very much from me.” “They will expect a great deal, and I hope my pupil will do me credit,” said Mrs. Stone; and she rose up and kissed Lucy with a little enthusiasm. “I agree with your father, I think there is a great deal in you, Lucy; but I don’t agree with him as to the best means of bringing it out. He thinks that you should be plunged into life all of a sudden, and a great call made upon you; but I believe in education; we shall soon see who is right.” “Oh, I hope not,” cried Lucy, “I hope not; for before you can know anything about it papa will have to be--” “Not if he takes my way, Lucy; he ought to take Holmwood, that pretty house near Sir Thomas Randolph’s, and give you a beginning; and I think he ought to do some of the things in his will which he is talking of leaving upon you; I will speak to him to-morrow night. Yes; you can say I will come; but do not think too much of these serious matters; go and amuse yourself with your companions, my dear.” “Maria,” said Miss Southwood, when the door closed, “you think yourself a great deal wiser than I am, but you must hear what I have to say. If you go and advise that old man to take Holmwood and set up an establishment, there will be but one thing that anybody can think. If you care anything for the opinion of the world, or for my opinion, for Heaven’s sake don’t do it, don’t do it! a woman in your position has need to be so careful. Of course, it stands to reason _that_ is what everybody will think.” “_What_ is what everybody--? Your style in conversation is very careless,” said Mrs. Stone, with great indifference. But her counselor would not be put down. “I will tell you exactly what will be thought,” she said, solemnly. “What is the common talk already? that you mean to marry that old man. Why did you take up the girl, risking your whole connection--you that have always been so exclusive--a girl of no family at all! You must have had a motive--no one ever acts without a motive; and perhaps if he is very rich, and you could be sure of carrying it out-- But how do we know that he is really very rich? and most likely you will not be able to carry it out; and at your age to risk your reputation--oh, I don’t mean in any _wrong_ way--but to risk your character for sense and good taste, and all that! Consider for one moment, consider, Maria, what the ‘parents’ would say, what the parents would have a right to say!”